Urgent Appeal for the Rights and Dignity of Deported Southeast Asians and Their Families

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Government

Dear Community Members,

We hope this letter finds you grounded in your work, your family and your community. Over the last 100 days of the Trump administration, we've seen an alarming uptick of deportations and targeting of Southeast Asian immigrants. Over 16,000 SEA live with deportation orders, and the threat to our communities is growing daily. Many Southeast Asians came to the US as refugees fleeing war and persecution when we were very young children and who know no country other than the US are being stripped from our communities. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the wars in Southeast Asia—conflicts that led to the forced displacement of millions of people from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and more. As we continue to work on defending our communities against deportation through organizing, rapid response and mutual aid, we are also making diplomatic connections with Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam governments to step up support for those with final orders of deportation. We have drafted this letter of urgent appeal to develop systems of support for those who are deported. We invite you to sign on to this letter of urgent appeal by June 30, 2025.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

In solidarity,

SEAFN and SEA-ACTION


To: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Government
From: [Your Name]

Subject: Urgent Appeal for the Rights and Dignity of Deported Southeast Asians and Their Families

Dear Honorable [Consul's Name],

We extend our warmest greetings. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the wars in Southeast Asia—conflicts that led to the forced displacement of millions of our people. As we reflect on this history, we must also confront the ongoing injustices facing Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants in the U.S., particularly those with final orders of deportation.

We write to you as individuals with final deportation orders, as families, advocates, and allies. Despite having built our lives in the U.S. for decades—raising families, contributing to communities, and becoming integral to American society—despite these deep roots many of us face the cruel reality of forced removal to countries we no longer know, with no support systems in place.

Deportation has devastating consequences, not just for those sent away, but for the families left behind in the U.S. Many deported individuals experience devastating family separation, mental health struggles, unemployment, and systemic barriers that prevent successful reintegration. Without proactive policies in place to support those forced to return, deportation becomes a lifelong punishment, perpetuating cycles of poverty, trauma, and instability for both the individual and the receiving country.

The transnational impact of these deportations cannot be ignored. Southeast Asian refugees were resettled in the U.S. after war and genocide, yet we are now being torn from the very communities that once welcomed us. Our families span borders, and the needs of deported individuals are inherently international in nature. We urge your government to take action that ensures the well-being and human rights of our communities by implementing concrete measures. First, we respectfully request that you refuse to issue travel documents for deportations that separate families and violate fundamental human rights.

If deportation is the only option, we recommend the following:

- Establish a council composed of civil society organizations, government entities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and impacted members to develop strategies to address the challenges faced by deported individuals.

- Develop and implement awareness campaigns to combat the stigma surrounding deported individuals and advocate for their rights.

- Increase funding for integration programs that assist deported individuals in obtaining identification documents, housing, healthcare, and other essential services.

- Coordinate support services to ensure access to legal aid, counseling, and employment opportunities.

- Create workforce training and placement programs to provide meaningful economic opportunities.

- Recognize the right to return to the U.S. for individuals who were forcibly displaced and resettled elsewhere.

By adopting these measures, we can alleviate the burden placed on countries forced to receive deportees, ensuring that individuals have the necessary resources to reintegrate successfully. No one should be forced into displacement—whether due to war, violence, climate change, or unjust immigration policies. We urge you to stand with us in upholding the dignity, safety, and rights of all Southeast Asians facing deportation and displacement. We look forward to your response and the opportunity to work together to address this urgent humanitarian issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]