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.
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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.
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“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
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Latest related posts
"Being in community is important now more than ever. Community can look different for everyone and can be as small or as huge as you need it to be. For me, I have leaned on various communities within my circle to continue fighting the good fight for my values. "
Read the blog post from Vanessa Keodara here: https://seaapower.com/blog
Dec 29
"In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees, we continue to mourn the life that could have been if my mother’s family had stayed. Southeast Asian Americans, like Mae Tao, are resilient and inspirational in their ability to power forward despite being uprooted by war. We reminisce, we preserve our culture and traditions, and we pass the stories onto the next generation."
Read Caitlyn`s full reflection here: https://seaapower.com/blog
Dec 27
Get these SEARAC gifts before they’re gone!
This is your last chance to get beautiful commemorative merchandise for the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. These designs will be leaving the SEARAC store at the end of this year. Order now to receive your shipment by December 25th!
Browse the SEARAC store at searac.org/shop-searac-merch/
Dec 26
We celebrate the introduction of a national resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian American resettlement. Our stories have shaped this nation for five decades and Southeast Asian American voices deserve to be honored, heard, and uplifted.
Stand with us as we commemorate 50 years of strength and community power by signing onto SEARAC’s open letter at bit.ly/seaa50resolution.
Dec 24
In 2025, we celebrated the Southeast Asian American community’s power by commemorating the introduction of a national resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement.
This national resolution led by SEARAC recognizes not just our past, but the powerful future we are building together, and we need your help to ensure it passes. Take action by visiting bit.ly/seaa50resolution and urge your Congressional representatives to move the resolution forward.
Dec 23
