Representative Tran Demands Answers on the Detention and Deportation of Asian Americans Born Abroad to U.S. Servicemembers

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) led a letter with Democratic colleagues to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Markwayne Mullin and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) David Venturella, demanding answers on the detention and deportation of "Amerasians," or individuals born in Asia to an Asian mother and U.S. serviceman during the Southeast Asia War between 1950 and 1982. Under the Amerasian Act of 1982 and the Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1988, many were able to gain Lawful Permanent Residency status in the United States. However, because they were not categorically naturalized and many do not have proper documentation of American paternity, Amerasians are now facing threats of deportation.

"It has been extremely difficult for Amerasians to verify their ancestry. Most of their fathers returned to the U.S. after their tours of duty. Many of their mothers destroyed documents to protect their children in fear of political retaliation and persecution," said Rep. Tran in the letter.

In 2008, the United States and Vietnam signed a memorandum agreeing to halt the repatriation of Southeast Asian refugees who arrived in the U.S. prior to 1995. This agreement was heavily altered in November 2020, allowing a process for deporting immigrants who entered the U.S. before 1995. Protections were rolled back even more in June 2025, leaving an unknown number of Amerasians vulnerable to detention and deportation.

The letter was signed by Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Representative Grace Meng (NY-06), and Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46), Judy Chu (CA-28), Dave Min (CA-47), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Raja Krishamoorthi (IL-08), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Seth Moulton (MA-06).

Read the full letter HERE.

As the son of Vietnamese refugees and the only Vietnamese American in Congress, Representative Tran is committed to uplifting and representing the Vietnamese community on the national stage and protecting the rights of immigrants.

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