SEAAs and other immigrant and refugee communities want a fair chance to thrive, but we cannot do so while we are subject to a dehumanizing, unjust immigration system.
Key resources:
Featured story
The New Way Forward’s Impact on Southeast Asian Americans
There are 15,000 Southeast Asian Americans with a final order of removal. About 80% of removable Southeast Asian Americans have a criminal conviction. Many of these individuals were refugees who have never lived in their countries of origin and no longer have any family ties to Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam.
Learn more
“It felt like I was being double punished. A terrible crime that I committed when I was a youth would eventually lead to my deportation to a country that I had no ties to. I felt like I was unworthy, not valued, that all that I’d done to change my life, to build community while I was inside, doesn’t matter.”
featured in our anti-deportation PSAs
“If I can change back the hands of time, education and knowledge would be the best for any young person trying to figure themself out. Please be aware that I am still human even though I made a mistake in the past. I do have family that loves me, and I love them, too.
featured in our anti-deportation PSAs
“If we were deported, our family wouldn’t be as happy as they are now. We draw them together and the positive mindset we bring—that heals them and heals our community. I believe deportation is really double punishment for our family, for us, and for our community.”
featured together with impacted community member Tith Ton in our anti-deportation PSAs
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the SEARAC community, and to learn more about how you can get involved.
Latest related posts
Today is #DAFDay! If you have a Donor Advised Fund, it’s the perfect time to support causes you care about. Your generosity supports SEARAC`s work to fight against unjust detention and deportation, protect funding for education, and ensure health equity for all.
If you’re giving through a DAF, consider directing your gift to SEARAC today and visit our donation page at bit.ly/donatetosearac.
Oct 9
As the government shutdown continues, millions of Americans are left in uncertainty. 4.5 million #AAPIs already stand to lose Medicaid, and many more are afraid they can’t pay for healthcare. With time running out, our voices matter more than ever.
SEARAC wants to know how this shutdown is impacting you, your families, and your community. Tell us at bit.ly/SEARACShutdownSurvey or at the link in our bio.
Oct 6
Last month, SEARAC launched Resources for Southeast Asian Refugees Facing Deportation, a webpage providing resources and answers to frequently asked questions for people facing deportation to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Share with your networks: bit.ly/SEAAdeportationresources.
Please note that it does not provide legal advice.
Oct 4
Last month, SEARAC and our friends at @uccoflongbeach and Families in Good Health hosted the West Coast premiere of Southeast Asian American Journeys, the groundbreaking documentary series now available in its entirety with all five episodes. Thank you to our partners and community for being part of this amazing milestone. We are honored to celebrate Southeast Asian American voices alongside you!
Thuy Do, SEARAC Senior California Program Manager, shared, "Experiencing the screening with long-time community partners and leaders in Long Beach was touching, as we reminisced on our shared histories of resettlement. Witnessing and sharing the emotions with the audience members captured how far we have come as a Southeast Asian American community and how much farther we will go together, even through trying times." Photos courtesy of @mrheng562
Oct 3
At midnight on Sept. 30, 2025, the health, safety, and wellbeing of communities across America were put at risk as Congress and the White House failed to meet their responsibility to keep the federal government running. When our elected leaders choose political gridlock, it is the people who carry the burden.
As we call on Congress to protect the best interests of the people they serve, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Share how the government shutdown is impacting you, your families, and your communities with SEARAC at bit.ly/SEARACShutdownSurvey or at the link in our bio.
Oct 2
