When asked to name a famous Asian American, only 2% of respondents could name Kamala Harris, who ran for President in 2024 and whose ads and news stories and photos were plastered all over media almost 24/7 for almost six months prior to the election.
Two Filipino American entertainers didn't even register a blip: Bruno Mars, whose sold-out concerts draw hundreds of thousands of fans; and Olivia Rodrigo, who recently hosted Saturday Night Live and whose records run No. 1 on the Billboard charts for weeks on end.
The 2026 Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the US (STAATUS) Index from The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) reveals Americans are divided on AAPI belonging, with 40% questioning the loyalty of Asian Americans to the US (doubling since 2021) and many viewing them as "perpetual foreigners," despite high marks for being hardworking. While 82% place Asian Americans in the top half of the social ladder, only 7% believe they hold "a great deal" of cultural influence.
“Despite our community’s growing power, a significant share of the public is still forming views about America’s fastest-growing racial group with no direct connection or information, said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. "This helps to explain the perception gaps that run throughout this report, and has real consequences for our community’s future.”
What it means to be 'American'
The "Loyalty Gap" is perhaps the most stinging revelation in the latest STAATUS Index, serving as a cold reminder that for many in this country, our citizenship comes with an asterisk.
It’s the statistical proof of a feeling many AAPI folks know in their bones: no matter how long we’ve been here, we are still seen as guests who might leave—or turn—at any moment.
There is a disturbing surge in distrust that should alarm anyone who believes in the American promise. A staggering 40% of Americans now believe that Asian Americans are more loyal to their ancestral homelands than to the United States. This isn't just a baseline level of prejudice; it’s a sentiment that has nearly doubled since 2021, proving that the "perpetual foreigner" trope is being weaponized with renewed vigor in the current political climate.
This surge isn't happening in a vacuum, as the data shows a direct link to the temperature of global politics. The gap is widest among those who view foreign nations, particularly China, as an existential threat to the US In the minds of many, every AAPI neighbor becomes a proxy for a foreign government, turning geopolitical tensions into a personal tax on our sense of belonging and safety.
The gap also exposes a fundamental disagreement over what it even means to be "truly American." While half of the general public still clings to US birth as the ultimate litmus test for identity, the vast majority of AAPI individuals — especially the younger generation — rightfully reject that narrow definition. This creates a social friction where AAPI citizens feel forced to exhibit "hyper-patriotism" just to be viewed as equal stakeholders in their own country.
Perhaps most disconcerting is the disconnect between how we see ourselves and how the public sees us.
While the vast majority of AAPI individuals view themselves as fully and proudly American, they are living in a society where their loyalty is treated as a subject of open debate. This "loyalty tax" creates a baseline of psychological exhaustion, leaving many to wonder if the goalposts for "belonging" will simply keep moving further out of reach.
Views of AAPI status differ sharply by race and ethnicity. White Americans see the "model minority" and view the status of Asian Americans in US society as more similar to white people (64%) than to people of color (31%), but most AAPI say "uh-uh" to the harmful stereotype and agree with Black, and Hispanic adults. Nearly 3 in 4 AAPIs (74%) see the status of their own racial group as more similar to people of color than to white people.
Views of AAPI status differ sharply by race and ethnicity. White Americans see the "model minority" and view the status of Asian Americans in US society as more similar to white people (64%) than to people of color (31%), but most AAPI say "uh-uh" to the harmful stereotype and agree with Black, and Hispanic adults. Nearly 3 in 4 AAPIs (74%) see the status of their own racial group as more similar to people of color than to white people.
Perpetual foreigner
Accordinrg to the latest STAATUS Index, the "perpetual foreigner" trope isn't just alive and well in America — it’s actually gaining steam. Despite decades of contributions to the cultural and economic fabric of this country, the data shows a troubling disconnect in how our neighbors see us.
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The numbers tell a story of a community that is respected for its labor but doubted for its loyalty. A staggering 40% of Americans now believe that Asian Americans are more loyal to their ancestral homelands than to the U.S. This isn't just a slight increase; it’s a figure that has nearly doubled since 2021, suggesting that the political climate and global tensions are hitting home in a very personal way for the AAPI community.
While most Americans (82%) are quick to place us on the upper rungs of the social ladder—buying into that tired "model minority" narrative—they aren't exactly seeing us as leaders or cultural movers. Nearly half of the country says Asian Americans have little to no influence on U.S. culture. Even more telling? Almost 50% of people surveyed couldn't name a single famous Asian American. It’s hard to feel like you belong when you’re essentially invisible in the public eye.
The internal toll of this perception is heavy. While the outside world sees "reliable" and "respectful" workers, the AAPI community is living with a baseline of fear. One in three reported experiencing a hate incident in the last year, and 63% say they feel unsafe in their daily lives.
We are stuck between being viewed as high-achieving "super-citizens" and suspicious outsiders, a duality that leaves many wondering if they will ever truly be seen as "American enough."
Republican-leaning respondents are more likely to express skepticism about AAPI loyalty. This is often tied to "traditional" views of American identity that prioritize birthright and assimilation.
Meanwhile, Democrat-leaning respondents generally score lower on the "loyalty gap" scale but are also more likely to express frustration with the lack of AAPI representation in leadership, highlighting a different kind of political disconnect.
Hate and safety
The STAATUS Index isn't just a collection of data points; it’s a mirror reflecting a harsh reality for Asian Americans. For those of us keeping watch, the latest findings confirm what many in the community feel every time they walk out the door: the shadow of hate hasn't faded.
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While the headlines may have moved on, the verbal abuse, racial slurs, and physical threats have not.
The numbers tell a story of a community under pressure. Half of the AAPI community reports feeling unsafe in public spaces. Whether it’s a subway platform or a neighborhood park, that sense of security remains shattered.
Nearly 3 in 10 Asian Americans reported being verbally harassed or abused in the last year. It’s the low-level, constant hum of hostility that defines the daily experience for many.
The Foreigner Trope: The "perpetual foreigner" myth is still alive and kicking. A staggering 40% of Americans still believe Asian Americans are more loyal to their ancestral homelands than to the US.
As tensions between the US and China simmer, it’s Asian Americans who pay the price. The index shows a direct link between political rhetoric and the distrust or "threat" perceived by the general public.
What the STAATUS Index reveals is a profound lack of belonging. For women and the younger generation especially, the "American Dream" is being taxed by a climate of suspicion. We aren't just looking at statistics; we're looking at a community being told, day after day, that they don't quite fit in.
The 2024 and 2025 reports serve as a wake-up call. Awareness might be up, but the reality on the ground — the harassment in our streets and the bias in our systems—proves that the fight for safety and visibility is far from over.
Generational divide
The report notes that 32% of Americans believe AAPI have gained influence in the last five years, with younger Americans (Gen Z) more likely to recognize this shift.
According to the TAAF-sponsored report, there is a sharp generational divide in how Americans define belonging, while the workplace remains a site of "invisible" barriers for AAPI professionals.
The report highlights that Gen Z is leading a shift away from traditional definitions of American identity. Only 23% of Gen Z AAPI respondents believe that being born in the U.S. is essential to being "truly American," compared to 50% of the general public.
This younger cohort is also significantly more likely to recognize AAPI cultural influence in the US, likely due to the rise of AAPI representation in digital media, music, and food. However, Gen Z AAPI individuals also report higher levels of loneliness and a sense of "not belonging" compared to their older counterparts, suggesting that increased visibility has not yet translated into social security.
Bamboo ceiling
Regarding the "bamboo ceiling," the data confirms that stereotypes continue to stall career advancement for AAPI, except for South Asian Americans.
While East and South Asian Americans are rated highly for traits like being "reliable," "respectful," and "hardworking," they receive significantly lower scores for "assertiveness" and "charisma"—traits typically associated with leadership in American corporate culture.
South Asians are more often perceived as more "vocal" or "assertive" than East Asians, which has led to higher representation in certain C-suite roles (e.g., Silicon Valley CEOs).
However, even though aggressiveness is admired among white workers, South Asians who exhibit this trait are viewed as "abrasive" or "difficult to work with" when they do exhibit leadership traits. While they may break the "bamboo ceiling" more often than East Asians, they face a higher "likability penalty" in corporate environments.
This "likability vs. leadership" gap remains a primary driver of the glass ceiling for AAPI workers. Furthermore, while 82% of Americans view AAPI people as being on the upper half of the social ladder, this perception of "success" often masks the lack of actual decision-making power and representation in the C-suite.
View from the Edge
Asian Americans are more worried (44%) than other ethnic groups about the state of the country, Trump and the future, according to the STAATUS survey.
It is a sad state of affairs that after centuries of being in this country contributing to its culture, technology, economy and medical advancements, the results still shows how much most nonAsian Americans don't know about AAPI people.
However, there is a ray of hope.
The barriers to understanding aren’t just about bias—they’re also about awareness. Most of the American public lacks relationships with Asian Americans, and more than half can’t name a single significant moment in Asian American history. But the data also points to something hopeful: Americans are open to engagement
Engagement also happens out in the community. When asked what would encourage them to visit ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatowns, Manilatowns, Little Indias, Koreatowns, and Little Saigons more often, Americans point to practical draws: More events and local business promotion (40%), new and interesting businesses (32%), and more affordable offerings (28%).
Ethnic celebrations the different Asian New Years, parades and food fairs along with cultural events like the Parol Lantern Festival & Parade, Cherry Blossom Festivals and Holi are ways to invite nonAsians into our communities and to announce our presence.
It's also important for those AAPI who are in positions of influence or celebrityhood to not be shy about their ethnic heritage to make it crystal clear that AAPI are here and already an integral part of American society and culture. It behooves all of us to step out of our comfort zones to make sure our voices and issues are heard, whether it be in the voting booth, school board meetings or in corporate board rooms.
Don't be silent.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. If you find this perspective interesting, please repost.
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