Dear Community,
Chúc mừng năm mới (happy new year)! To combat any confusion or concern caused by recent executive orders and policies enacted by the Trump administration, we encourage Vietnamese community members to contact us at general@vietrise.org for immigration support and services through our Community Resource Hub. We aim to provide a safe community space for impacted community members and connect you to the resources you need. For more timely policy and resource-related updates, follow us on social media.
Announcements
Thank You, Vincent!
After seven impactful years, our Organizing Director, Vincent Tran, will be transitioning out of VietRISE this February. Vincent has been with VietRISE since the first year of our founding as an organization. His vast and unique knowledge of Vietnamese and Vietnamese American history has grounded our organization in understanding our communities’ past to build and organize for a better present and future.
Throughout his time at VietRISE, Vincent has helped transform the landscape of Little Saigon. He spearheaded our monumental census and redistricting efforts across Little Saigon, at the OC Board of Supervisors, and in senate, assembly, and congressional districts where many Vietnamese residents live. This resulted in a new map in Santa Ana and the consideration of another city council seat in Westminster. He has led our Political Tours of Little Saigon and trained dozens of volunteer tour guides. He helped establish our membership program and the revival of the OC May Day coalition. He was a co-facilitator for the Santa Ana Families for Fair Elections coalition, and has organized with countless Vietnamese seniors against unfair evictions and for immigrant rights.
Vincent, thank you for the care, wisdom, and commitment you have shared and given to us and our communities. Little Saigon is a better place because of you and we are so excited for you to embark on your new chapter. Please join us in wishing Vincent a warm farewell and good luck in his future endeavors!
2024 Year In Review
We’re excited to share that our 2024 Year in Review is live! Read about our past year on our website here. We hope you enjoy reading about the people and grassroots efforts that made 2024 so memorable.
Resources
Immigrant Resource Legal Center's Red Cards
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to their homes.
Visit the website below to print your own or come to the VietRISE office to pick up Red Cards in English and Vietnamese.
Campaign & Program News
Meet Our UCI C-CAP TEACH Interns!
We want to warmly welcome Ariana, Samantha, and Karla, as they join us for the 10-week C-CAP TEACH internship program. C-CAP TEACH is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in undertaking initiatives related to the documentation, collection, management, and preservation of the history of Little Saigon and VietRISE.
This is the fourth year VietRISE has been a partner for this initiative. Thank you to the UCI Libraries Special Collections & Archives and the Orange County & Southeast Asian Archive Center (OC & SEAA) for having us!
Orange County School of the Arts Beyond Borders Nonprofit Fair
Thank you OCSA for inviting us to table at the Beyond Borders event! It was wonderful to meet with students, families, and educators and share our work, especially about our upcoming summer youth program. Stay tuned for more details soon!
Features
OC Register - What Do Little Saigon's Vietnamese Residents Expect From New Rep. Derek Tran?
“We need Derek Tran to be a champion for immigrant communities. Vietnamese immigrants that are currently in limbo who’ve had deportation orders for a long time but haven’t heard anything for years are nervous,” she said.
During President-elect Donald Trump’s first term, deportations of Vietnamese immigrants surged, and his administration also sought to revoke a 2008 agreement with Vietnam that protected those who arrived before July 12, 1995, many of whom came as a result of the war.
“Seniors resonate with the idea that Vietnamese refugees who left their homelands should not be deported from the United States,” said La. “Human rights and housing have largely been nonpartisan issues among the Vietnamese community.”
Community Spotlight
Vivian Nguyen
This month, we are spotlighting our volunteer, Vivian Nguyen! In 2024, Vivian joined our art workshop series with Vietnamese American artist Tiffany Le, where participants engaged with different creative techniques to uplift the experiences of the Vietnamese immigrant community. Continuing her work with VietRISE, Vivian joined our 2024 General Election outreach team as a volunteer canvasser, talking to community members in Santa Ana about the importance of supporting rent control and expanding the right to vote for all residents no matter their immigration status. Beyond VietRISE, Vivian runs an independent apparel business with inspirations from Vietnamese language and culture. Con ơi aims to create moments of comfort and connection for the community. Check her out on Instagram at @dear.conoi and on her Etsy shop.
Thank you, Vivian, for your art and care for the community in Little Saigon!
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