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
Last month, Jenna McDavid, SEARAC Director of Development, wrote a blog reflecting on her 10-week sabbatical and the opportunities and challenges that came with it.
Jenna shares, “And yet, despite the much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge, I struggled with sabbatical! I found it surprisingly hard to not work, especially when it has been more than 25 years since I didn’t have a job. It took me weeks to really let go.”
Read Jenna`s blog at the link in our bio!
Jul 8
In honor of SEARAC`s 2026 Leadership & Advocacy Training (LAT) program next week, here`s a throwback to our 2025 LAT superstars ⭐! SEARAC is thrilled to welcome our next cohort of rising Southeast Asian American leaders to Washington, DC next week for three days of leadership development, community power, and advocacy.
Thank you to this year`s program sponsors including: @aarp, @blueshieldcafoundation, District Capital Management, @ocanational, and @statefarm. LAT is only possible through the generous support of our funders and donors! Join our movement to build a pipeline of leaders. Learn more at the link in our bio or visit bit.ly/givetosearac
Jul 6
Today marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Southeast Asian Americans are also commemorating over 50 years of refugee resettlement. That means Southeast Asian Americans have been part of this country’s past, present, and we will continue to shape this country. Southeast Asian Americans have been contributing, building, advocating, and shaping communities from coast to coast.
The story of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement is inseparable from the American story. It reflects this nation`s promise of refuge, opportunity, and inclusion.
Let`s make sure Congress recognizes all of who we are. Urge your rep to pass the Southeast Asian American 50th Anniversary Resolution. Join us: bit.ly/SEAA50to250
#SEAA50 #SEAAResolution
Jul 4
Repost from fightforourhealth 🌀 One year later. H.R. 1 — the so-called Big Beautiful Bill is making health care coverage less accessible for the workers, seniors, people with disabilities, and low income families who need it most.
This is just the beginning. The most restrictive provisions are yet to kick-in. #FightForOurHealth coalition is fighting to keep Californians healthy and covered.
Jul 4
SEARAC`s June 2026 newsletter is live! This month`s newsletter features a staff reflection on sabbatical, an overview of recent rulings from the Supreme Court, update on health care in CA, and more.
Read the newsletter at the link in our bio!
Jul 1
