U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii and Representative Derek Tran of California have introduced a bicameral resolution to mark the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. The resolution aims to recognize the contributions made by Southeast Asian American (SEAA) and refugee communities, while advocating for policies that would increase opportunities for these groups.
Senator Hirono stated, “Since 1975, over one million Southeast Asian refugees have resettled in the U.S., and for 50 years now these communities have contributed greatly to our country’s economy, military, and culture. From serving in our Armed Forces to enriching our economy, this resolution honors the sacrifices many of these refugees have made and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring these communities have access to education, health care, and other resources they need to thrive.”
Following events such as the Vietnam War, Secret Wars in Laos, and the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia, more than a million people from Southeast Asia fled their countries due to war, genocide, persecution, and famine. The year 2025 marks half a century since the first Southeast Asian refugee arrived in the United States. Currently, over three million Southeast Asian American refugees and their families live in the country.
The resolution acknowledges both the violence that led millions to leave Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam fifty years ago and the impact that SEAA communities have had on American society since then. It also recognizes their service defending the United States and calls for expanded educational, economic, and political opportunities for Southeast Asian citizens, immigrants, and refugees.
Cosponsors of this resolution include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR); as well as Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).
The full text of the resolution is available here.
