Hai Nguyen was taken into ICE custody at a routine annual check-in, despite having come to the United States over 33 years ago. It's devastating to think that someone who has built a life, contributed to the community, and raised a family could suddenly face deportation to a country he barely knows.

Hai's story is not unique. Thousands of Southeast Asian immigrants who fled to the U.S. as refugees decades ago are now at risk of deportation due to changes in immigration policies. Despite living here for decades and becoming integral members of their communities, many face the harsh reality of being uprooted from their lives.

H.R. 7608, the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act, offers a lifeline to these individuals. By halting deportations and providing eligible individuals with protection and relief, this bill is crucial to keeping families together and ensuring that those who came seeking refuge are not unjustly punished.

This legislation requires the support and co-sponsorship of our representatives to bring about meaningful change. Oklahoma U.S. Representatives have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and compassion by co-sponsoring H.R. 7608.

Statistics from organizations such as SEARAC show that over 15,000 Southeast Asian Americans have already been deported and thousands more are at risk. These communities have higher deportation rates due to the unique circumstances of their arrival and the legal complexities they face.

We must stand together to urge our Oklahoma U.S. Representatives to take action. Co-sponsoring H.R. 7608 is a step towards rectifying unjust immigration practices and protecting the futures of many families with more humane immigration laws. There are already 33 sponsors from several different states who support this bill. This will ensure that members of our community who immigrated here after the Vietnam War and are Long term U.S. residents having lived here for decades, work, and pay taxes can be protected from deportation.

Please join me in making a difference by signing this petition. Your support will amplify our call for urgent legislative action and help keep families like Hai's safe from deportation.