Representative Tran, Senator Hirono Author Resolution to Commemorate 50 Years of Southeast Asian Diaspora in U.S.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. The resolution recognizes these communities’ immense contributions to our nation’s fabric and advocates for policies that would provide Southeast Asian Americans (SEAA) and refugee communities with greater opportunities to thrive.
In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Secret Wars in Laos, and the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia, over a million Southeast Asians fled their homes to escape war, genocide, ethnic and political persecution, and famine. 2025 marks 50 years since the first Southeast Asian refugee arrived in the U.S. Today, over 3 million Southeast Asian American refugees and their families reside in the U.S. and have made innumerable contributions to our military, economy, and social culture.
“My parents fled persecution in communist Vietnam in search of freedom and democracy. This country gave them the chance to rebuild, and provided me with the foundation I needed to become the father, Veteran, small business owner, and Congressman I’m proud to be today. For generations, America has represented freedom, hope, and opportunity for so many Southeast Asian refugee and immigrant families like my own,” said Representative Tran. “We’ve turned that opportunity into innovation and progress that have put our whole nation ahead in just 50 short years. I’m honored to stand alongside Senator Hirono to honor the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian resettlement to the U.S. to formally recognize our communities’ legacy in this nation.”
“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,” said Senator Hirono. “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.”
“For 50 years, Southeast Asian Americans have contributed greatly to every aspect of our society. However, our communities still face significant health, economic, and educational barriers today, and the deportations of our community members continue to tear our families apart. We thank Rep. Tran and Sen. Hirono for introducing this important resolution recognizing our communities and calling for policies to advance continued economic and social opportunities for SEAA communities. SEARAC urges members of Congress to join them on this important resolution,” said Quyen Dinh, Executive Director of the South East Asia Resource Action Center.
The resolution acknowledges the atrocities and widespread violence that forced millions to flee Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam 50 years ago, and recognizes the profound impact these communities have had on American culture and society since then. It also honors the sacrifices made by SEAAs to defend the United States, and pledges support for comprehensive policies to expand educational, economic, and political opportunities for Southeast Asian citizens, immigrants, and refugees.
This bicameral resolution is supported by 17 original cosponsors including Representatives Grace Meng (NY-06), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Juan Vargas (CA-52); and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Ed Markey (D-MA).
Representative Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees who fled oppressive communist Vietnam following the fall of Saigon in 1975. He has fiercely advocated for the release of Le Huu Minh Tuan, a Vietnamese journalist and activist who was detained by Vietnamese authorities for expressing opposition to human rights abuses in Vietnam. Tran serves as Mr. Tuan’s official sponsor through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project, which formally allows Members of Congress to shine a light on prisoners of conscience across the world and urges accountability for unjust treatment. As his sponsor, Representative Tran wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting immediate assistance in ensuring Le Huu Minh Tuan’s freedom.
As the only Vietnamese American currently serving in Congress, and the first to represent California’s 45th Congressional District – home to the largest Vietnamese diaspora in the world – Representative Tran is committed to preserving and uplifting his community’s history on the national stage. In September, Representative Tran introduced a Congressional resolution honoring the significance of the Vietnamese heritage flag as an emblem of cultural identity, freedom, and the struggle for democracy and human rights. Tran also introduced a Congressional resolution recognizing June 19, 2025, as Veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day in honor of the Vietnamese and American soldiers who fought alongside each other in the name of freedom and democracy. He also co-led H.R. 3122, the bipartisan Vietnam Human Rights Act, to hold Vietnamese communist officials accountable for human rights abuses and establish human rights and fair-trade priorities for U.S.-Vietnam relations. In April, Tran held a series of events in commemoration of the anniversary of the fall of Saigon, known as Black April, and introduced a Congressional resolution recognizing April 30, 2025, as the 50th Anniversary of Black April.
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Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.