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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SEARAC is extremely concerned by the Office of Management and Budget’s decision to delay the implementation of Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15) by another year. At a time when Southeast Asian American communities continue to navigate deep inequities, any delay in improving data on SEAAs risks keeping our communities invisible to the very systems meant to serve them. Read the full statement at the link in our bio.
Apr 16
This Lao, Khmer, and Thai New Year, Southeast Asian American families across the country will light candles, make offerings, and gather together. But for some families, there is an empty seat because unjust detention and deportation have taken a loved one. Deportations of Cambodians rose 184% from 2024–2025 and deportations of communities from Laos went from zero in 2024 to 300+ in 2025. We must demand real protection for our communities: Urge your Representative to cosponsor the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act (SEADRA) today. Take action at the link in our bio. #SEADRA
Apr 15
រីករាយឆ្នាំថ្មី🌸 ສະບາຍດີປີໃຫມ່ 🌸 Happy Lao and Khmer New Year from SEARAC🌸
Our offices are closed today in observance of Lao and Khmer New Year. To our communities celebrating — we are sending you wishes for a peaceful, happy, and abundant year ahead.
Apr 14
Join us for upcoming screenings of @seaajourneys_doc:
April 17
Screening of Muoz-doic Mixtape at Hollywood Theatre
Included in the Portland Panorama Film Festival (@pdxpanorama)
April 18
Full docuseries screening hosted by Long Beach Public Library (@lbcitylibrary) at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
April 19
Screening of Threads at UNC Chapel Hill
Hosted by @uncasiacenter Bringing Southeast Asia Home workshop
April 19
Full docuseries screening hosted by the Asian Solidarity Network Symposium (@reed.asn.symposium
April 25
Screening of Teb Chaw (Land) at Zineme 2 (@zeitgeistduluth)
Included in the Zeitgeist Minnesota Film Festival (@minnesotafilmfestival)
Keep track of upcoming screenings and purchase tickets at the link in our bio!
Apr 13
From #immigrant caregivers navigating enforcement fears, to #LGBTQ+ caregivers seeking recognition for chosen family, belonging in #caregiving is deeply shaped by policy. SEARAC is proud to join the Diverse Elders Coalition, @nhcoa , and @sageusa to bring that conversation to @asaging On Aging 2026 through story, data, and practical tools for change. Join us April 20 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Room Courtland. #OnAging2026
Apr 10
