OCA Denounces Trump Administration's Action to Deport Southeast Asian Americans

Washington, DC - OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates is appalled at news about the US Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security, and the Government of Laos’ verbal agreements to annually deport a significant number of Hmong and Lao Americans to Laos. Currently, there is no formal repatriation agreement with Laos. However, the verbal talks between the U.S. and Lao government indicate that steps towards a formal repatriation agreement could be taken. 

The verbal agreements made between the United States and Laos will specifically threaten close to 4,500 Hmong and Lao Americans with final orders for deportation. These individuals only received orders for deportation due to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This Act set a harmful precedent that paved the way for widespread deportation orders; many of these individuals have been living in the United States with their families since the 1970s, and are part of the larger Southeast Asian American diaspora.

OCA is partnering with our allies at the Southeast Asian Deportation Defense Network to support and protect Southeast Asian Americans and their families, many of whom are former refugees.

“The Lao and Hmong communities now at risk of deportation have been living in the U.S. for decades and built their homes and livelihoods here,” said Rita Pin Ahrens, OCA Executive Director. “As a Cambodian refugee myself, I understand the incredible hardships and struggle that many had to sustain their families while also dealing with the trauma of war.  It’s inhumane to now forcibly separate them from their families and upheave the lives that they have built here. All Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders must stand up and stand together against deportations of Hmong and Lao refugees who have been living in the United States for decades, especially in the wake of increasing family separation, targeted deportation expansions, and double jeopardy issues.”

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OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national civil rights organization dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).