A new report sheds light on perceptions of Asians in the U.S.
More than 1 in 4 Americans say they are concerned that Chinese Americans are a threat to society and national security, according to a survey conducted by The Asian American Foundation, a nonprofit group that focuses on combatting anti-Asian hate and providing educational resources.
The study also found that 40% of Americans believe Asian Americans have more allegiance to their countries of origin than the U.S. — doubling since 2021.
“There is a growing perception that Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to the U.S.— a reflection of the rising belief in the ‘perpetual foreigner’ stereotype,” Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation, said in a news release.
The STAATUS, or Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the U.S., Index, which surveyed nearly 5,000 online responders ages 16 and older, comes as the U.S. celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Chen said the survey "also underscores a troubling and ongoing disconnect between how Asian Americans are perceived and how we actually experience life. That has real consequences for our safety, sense of belonging, and pathways to prosperity in this country."
The study also found that only 44% of Americans strongly agree that the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II was wrong. It also revealed that 63% of Asian Americans feel unsafe in day-to-day spaces and fear they’ll be victims of discrimination within the next five years.
Still, nearly 80% of Americans support specific initiatives aimed at uplifting Asian American communities, and 41% back legislation requiring schools to teach Asian American history.
Younger Americans reported that they rely on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to learn about Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, according to the study.
