Protect the 1.5 Generation

At CERI, we walk alongside members of the “1.5 generation,” Cambodian refugees who came to the U.S. as children after their families survived the Khmer Rouge genocide. Many grew up in poverty, faced bullying, and were pushed toward organized groups for safety. Some made mistakes as young people, served long prison sentences, and were detained by ICE the moment they were released. Yet again and again, they transformed their lives with remarkable resilience.

One person shaped by this reality is Kanley Souet-Pich (pictured above). Kanley grew up in West Oakland as the daughter of a Cambodian refugee. In 2019 her family was thrown into crisis when her husband, Rouen, a 1.5 generation Cambodian refugee, received a letter instructing him to turn himself in for deportation. He was detained, and each day deepened their fear that their family might be permanently separated.

When Kanley found CERI, she met other families living the same fear. The community rallied around her, staying with her through months of uncertainty and, ultimately, her family made it through. Today, Roeun is free, safe, and a citizen.

This journey from fear to collective action is what guides Kanley now. As Program Manager for CERI’s Unbreakable Roots Program, today she supports families facing the same crisis she once lived through, offering connection, healing, and a place where they don’t have to navigate this alone.

The need is growing every day. Thousands of Cambodian refugees are being targeted for deportation. In our own CERI community, we’ve already lost two beloved community members. Families wake up every day afraid of being separated, and the weight of that fear is immense.

CERI is currently supporting 47 families in similar situations, with more reaching out every week. We’re working every day to keep families together, but we need funding to make sure we can continue meeting the need.

You can help! With your support, we can raise $30,000 to go directly toward uplifting families impacted by deportation in their fight for freedom.

Your dollars will cover: 

• Emergency financial aid for families in crisis

• Therapy and support groups so that families can find sanctuary and help each other

• Care coordination - an advocate who walks with each person, every step of the way

Thank you so much for being a part of this movement to protect each other! Together, we can defend refugee and immigrant communities and build the safety our families deserve.