Southeast Asian Defense Project
Southeast Asian Defense Project
By organizing community members and coordinating campaigns, Mekong NYC will bring dignity and values to the lives of a displaced community by building community power and inspiring Southeast Asians to stand up for their rights. Mekong NYC addresses federal, state, city, and community policies affecting the Southeast Asian community through solidarity, alliances, and campaigns.
Anti-Deportation
Our anti-deportation work includes:
Southeast Asian Relief and Responsibility (SEARR) campaign with the Southeast Asian Freedom Network
Clemency Justice Act with the Clemency Coalition of New York
Social media campaigns + call to actions to demand New York Governor Hochul to utilize her power to grant clemency.
Health Justice
Our health justice work includes:
NYC COVID-19 Community Survey
18% and Growing Campaign
Communities Together for Health Equity
Nail Salon Campaign
Mekong NYC is a part of the New York Healthy Nail Salons Coalition. We are currently working on the #AllHandsIn campaign, advocating for the passage of the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act. This bill aims to give workers a seat at the table alongside government and small business owners to collaborate on new standards across the industry.
We currently moderate the NYS Southeast Asian Nail Salon Group. The Facebook group serves as a safe space for New York State nail salon workers to voice concerns, struggles, and challenges they face.
Movement Building
The Southeast Asian Defense Project aims to fight the deportations of Southeast Asian refugees through the combined strategies of local and state advocacy, legal support, and community organizing and education. By highlighting the unique experience of the Southeast Asian refugee community, ensuring access to critical legal resources, and mobilizing the community, the Southeast Asian Defense Project provides a comprehensive approach towards keeping Southeast Asian families united.
What We Do:
Local and state advocacy - advocate for policies that will end the deportations of Southeast Asian refugees through coalition-based partnerships. This includes a campaign to secure pardons for refugees facing deportations.
Legal support - coordinate and provide critical legal and other support for refugees and their families, including case management.
Community organizing and education - conduct community outreach, know your rights trainings, and other actions where the community can mobilize and use their voices to fight deportations.