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
Today, our leaders made their mark on Capitol Hill and met with congressional offices to uplift key issues like data disaggregation in education, access to quality healthcare, and the protection of family immigration.
We’re deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and the congressional offices who welcomed our SEARAC Leadership and Advocacy Training participants. And to our inspiring cohort: thank you for carrying forward the legacy of Southeast Asian American advocacy and for sharing your gifts with us!
Jul 17
We’ve officially wrapped up Day 2 of SEARAC’s LAT program! Today was a powerful journey through reflection as participants looked back at the history of our Southeast Asian American community, recognizing where we stand today, and envisioning the future we’re working toward.
Our communications team led a workshop on how to create your narrative, followed by a dynamic Advocacy Panel with our incredible partners. We closed out our day with music, movement, and dancing!
Tomorrow, our participants will take their voices to Capitol Hill, meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that directly impact Southeast Asian American communities. We couldn’t be more proud of the strength, courage, and collective power they’ve built. #LAT2026
Jul 16
SEARAC LAT Day 1 ✅
Today marked the kickoff of #LAT2026! We welcomed our incredible cohort of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) advocates and allies to Washington, DC for a journey rooted in our community`s history and refugee resilience.
Participants reflected on their "why" for joining this 3-day training, then dove into their issue tracks. We unpacked critical issues facing SEAA communities today, including the fight to count AANHPI communities in education data through the All Students Count Act. Join us in the fight for data that truly reflects the SEAA experience. Add your voice at bit.ly/ASCAct2026 or at the link in our bio.
Follow along @SEARAC all week for more from #LAT2026!
Jul 15
Get @reshare_app • @seaajourneys_doc Meet us at the 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival this August in Philadelphia! @blackstarfest is celebrating this milestone with a powerful program of films from Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists, panels, and of course, parties.
𝗠𝗨𝗢𝗭-𝗗𝗢𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗘 screens in the shorts program AUTOSCOPY
📅 August 7, 2026 at 11:30am
📍Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center
blackstarprojects.org/festival
#CinemaForLiberation #BSFF26
Jul 10
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
