We have come a long way together.
Let's decide where we go next.
It has been 50 years since the first major wave of the Vietnamese diaspora (1975–2025). The Vietnamese community in San Diego County is also 50 years old and counting.
Like many immigrant communities before us, we arrived with very little. We left behind our homes, our possessions, and much of what was familiar, carrying with us only our hopes for a better future. Through hard work and perseverance, many families have built new lives. Fifty years later, many of us have roofs over our heads, careers, businesses, and children who now call this country home.
Yet every generation inherits a new responsibility.
The next fifty years are not simply about individual success. They are about becoming rightful members of the communities we call home—contributing our knowledge, our talents, our culture, and our compassion to the places where we live. Our future will be measured not only by what we have achieved for ourselves, but by what we build together for generations to come.
To move forward as a community, we must ask the community.
In May 2025, approximately 20,000 bilingual surveys were mailed to Vietnamese households throughout San Diego County. The survey was also made available online through a QR code and shared through our community network. We received approximately 2,367 completed responses.
This survey is an invitation to reflect on the past, understand the present, and help shape the future of our community together.
The following pages share what our community told us
Top Findings
The Vietnamese community recognizes tremendous progress over the past 50 years, citing growth, stronger representation, and increased community voice as its greatest achievements.
Discrimination and bias remain ongoing challenges, highlighting the continued need for inclusion, understanding, and community support.
Education, workforce development, and economic opportunity are viewed as the strongest investments for the next generation.
Respondents consistently value stronger community participation, leadership, and representation as keys to long-term success.
Respondents prioritize preventative healthcare, health education, and affordable access to care to improve community well-being.
Overall, the survey reflects a community focused on building capacity, strengthening connections, and preparing the next generation to thrive together.
Understand
the respondents
Challenges We Still Face
Recognizing that hate and discrimination are challenges we may face despite our best efforts, and that no matter how many years pass, they cannot be overcome by any one person alone, we included these questions in the survey because a stronger community begins with understanding. Before we can address these challenges, we must first understand how they affect our community.
Looking Back. Looking Ahead.
& What's Next?
