STAATUS Index: Being AAPI is hard; we're never American enough

Its bad enough that Americans of all ethnicities have a hard time categorizing and recognizing  Asian American issues and individuals, but Filipino Americans fare even worse.

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.

FYI: Download the full report

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. 

The US public is divided over who counts as "truly American." As the Supreme Court weighs challenges to birthright citizenship, half of US adults say being born in the US is important to being truly American, while 77% of AAPIs say it is not. AAPIs are also more likely than other groups to rate being white (93%) or being a Christian (84%) as unimportant to American identity.

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.

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.

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.

According to the latest reports from The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), nearly 1 in 2 Asian Americans say they feel unsafe in this country simply because of their race or ethnicity. This isn't a "post-pandemic" recovery; it’s a persistent state of anxiety.

 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.

Worry is more top of mind for AAPIs than for other groups. When asked how they feel about life right now, Americans overall most often say hopeful (48%), including white (50%), Black (53%), and Hispanic (44%) adults. AAPIs are the only racial or ethnic group for whom worry (44%) outranks hope (40%).

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.

AANHPI Heritage Month: Americans' attitudes towards AAPI highlights misperceptions and ignorance

One in two Asian Americans feel unsafe in the US and nearly 80% of Asian Americans do not completely feel they belong and accepted in the United States, according to a new survey.

The survey also found that 50% of Asian Americans feel unsafe in the US because of the rash of racist attacks against them attributed to discrimination and the lack representation among the ranks of leaders.

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) on May 2 announced the findings of the third annual STAATUS Index—”Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the US”—the leading study examining attitudes and stereotypes towards Asian American and Pacific Islanders  in the US. 

“We’re seeing a continuing and alarming trend in that the majority of Asian Americans do not feel safe or feel like they belong here because of their race,” said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. “Anti-Asian violence haunts our community and takes a toll in every part of our lives, from riding a public bus to attending school. 

FYI: Click here to read the 2023 STAATUS report.

"We can’t blame political rhetoric and the COVID-19 pandemic alone for anti-Asian sentiment. Historic stereotypes and prejudices towards our communities are persistent and deeply entrenched.

Some of the key takeaways are:

• Of all the racial groups surveyed, Asian Americans—especially young, Asian American women— are the least likely to feel they completely belong and are accepted in the U.S. The top reason cited was racial discrimination, followed by the lack of representation of Asian American leaders in the workplace.
• Many Americans across the country are open to more opportunities to interact with AAPIs, support AAPI businesses, and learn more about AAPI stories and history.
• Of those who feel unsafe, 29% believed the most dangerous situation was on public transportation.

One of the discouraging findings in the report is that a quarter of those interviewed could not name a famous living Asian American. Among those who responded, Jackie Chan (who is not American) and Bruce Lee (who died 50 years ago) received the most votes. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother came from India, received the 4th most votes. Surprisingly, that's an improvement from last year's survey when the respondents did not menton Harris.

Americans as a whole expressed mixed feelings about the perceived economic or military coming from the People's Republic of China.

Most respondents, 83%, see China as a military/national security threat, 74% as an economic threat, and 44% as a health threat.‍ That feeling is strongest among older and white Americans overwhelmingly (>80%) 

However, 79% of Americans do not believe people of Chinese Americans pose a threat to the US. Respondents also overwhelmingly (87%) are comfortable with Asian Americans’ employment in jobs that involve national security.

Nevertheless, nearly one-third of Americans see Asian Americans as more loyal to their perceived country of origin and almost a third (31%) think Asian Americans should be subject to additional scrutiny if they work in areas considered critical to U.S. global strategic competitiveness.

A majority (57%)of all Americans race relations was getting worse in the lst five years. Only 16% felt that race relations was improving..

The survey offered some hope in improving race relations. More than 60% of Americans would like more opportunities to interact with AAPIs and learn about their experience and history.

Advocates of including Asian American history in school curriculums should be pleased that 3 out of 5 Americans think that incorporating the Asian American experience into the teaching of American history is important.

Respondents were asked, 

"What do you have in common with AAPI?"

A quarter of the respondents think they share “a lot” of economic interests (26%) and core values (25%) with Asian Americans, signaling an opportunity to grow understanding and strengthen connections with AAPIs.

The results from the annual study help TAAF plan their own programming including supporting initiatives that counter bias and build belonging among AAPIs. For example, TAAF’s areas of focus include improving public education curricula so that AAPI history is taught in schools, supporting tracking and reducing incidence of hate and promoting authentic and diverse AAPI narratives in journalism, media, film, and television—all efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of harmful, racist attitudes.

“The report also shows that geopolitics may affect anti-Asian sentiment, causing distrust and putting communities on edge,” Chen said. “It is startling to see that more than one in four of Americans still think Asian Americans are more loyal to their perceived country of origin than to the US," 

"These unfortunate and enduring misperceptions erode our sense of belonging and safety as AAPIs. By tracking these perceptions, we want to draw attention and implement solutions to the very real and persistent problems impacting the daily lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” he continued.

Troubling study: It keeps getting worse for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

Despite an increase of AANHPI activism and awareness campaigns about anti-Asian hate this past year, the situation seems to be getting worse for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

A troubling new study says Americans are more likely to blame people of Asian descent than the previous year and a greater number are harboring distrust of their loyalties.

"This year's STAATUS Index is very alarming as it makes clear that attitudes toward Asian Americans are getting worse, not better at a time when our communities continue to come under attack," says Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation and co-founder of nonprofit Leading Asian Americans to Unite for Change (LAAUNCH), which partnered together for the study.

VIEW the complete STAATUS Index at www.staatus-index.org.

"On the surface, we thought it was COVID and Trump. Deeper down we know it's related to the model minority myth and perpetual foreigner stereotypes. But even deeper, it really (shows) the embedded systemic racism in this country against Asian Americans," says Chen.

As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month gets underway this May, the survey reveals that nearly one third of Americans are unaware of anti-Asian violence despite a nearly 340% increase of attacks against Asian Americans in 2021 and one in five Americans believe Asian Americans are at least partly responsible for COVID-19.

The survey is based on a national sample of 5,113 U.S. residents, aged 18 and over, conducted online between February 10 and February 28, 2022. LAAUNCH and TAAF partnered on this year's STAATUS Index to illuminate harmful misperceptions of Asian Americans that are leading to the unprecedented rise in scapegoating and anti-AAPI violence.

"The survey found Asian Americans are more likely to be blamed for COVID-19 than we were in 2021, more likely to be questioned for our loyalty to the United States, and that we are among the least likely to feel that we belong in this country. These results reveal just how deeply embedded anti-Asian sentiment is in America right now, fueled by generations of systemic racism that has pervaded every aspect of our society and culture," says Chen.

Amazingly, the poll found that 58% of the respondents could not name a prominent Asian American. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother is Indian American, was outpolled by actor Jackie Chan, who is not even American, and martial arts icon Bruce Lee, who passed away in 49 years ago.

LAAUNCH and TAAF are working closely with leading AAPI scholars and research/data organizations, including AAPI Data and Stop AAPI Hate, to raise awareness about the Index's results and pursue actionable programming that tackles bias against Asian Americans. 

For example, TAAF's areas of focus include improving public education curricula so that AAPI history is better taught in schools, supporting more data and research on AAPI experiences, and promoting positive and diverse AAPI narratives in the media, film, and television—all efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of harmful anti-Asian attitudes.

"In 2022, 58% of Americans can't name a prominent Asian American and respondents most frequently identify Asian women and men in stereotypical roles like Kung Fu masters, criminals, geisha, sex workers and supporting roles. Prejudices continue to be reflected and perpetuated in film and media, which impacts how we view each other every day," said Eric Toda, Board Member, LAAUNCH and Advisory Council Member, TAAF. 

"However, 71% of Americans—especially our younger generations—want to see greater Asian American representation in TV and movies. While we have seen some progress with leading Asian actors in movies like Shang-Chi, Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere All at Once and popular series like Pachinko, we need to increase visibility of Asian Americans by considering how we are portraying Asian characters, writing multi-dimensional narratives, and casting Asian Americans into mainstream, leading roles."

Other key findings:

Despite a documented increase in attacks against Asian Americans, nearly one third of Americans are still unaware of the violence.

• 31% of respondents remain unaware of the increased violence towards Asian Americans.
• 71% of Asian American respondents say they are discriminated against in the U.S. today.
• Asian American respondents rank stronger laws and greater protection (#1) and education (#2) as the top solutions to end AAPI-Hate.Non-Asian American respondents rank education (#1) and more interaction with the AAPI community to better understand Asian American experiences (#2) as top solutions.
  

Americans are more likely to question the loyalty of Asian Americans and blame them for COVID-19 in 2022 than they were in 2021.

• One in five (21%) of respondents agree that Asian Americans are at least partly responsible for COVID-19. This is up from 15% in 2021.
• 32% of respondents agree Asian Americans are more loyal to their perceived country of origin than to the U.S., as compared to 20% in 2021.

Asian Americans are among the least likely to feel like they belong and are accepted in the U.S., especially younger Asian Americans.

• Only 29% of Asian American respondents (vs. 61% of white respondents and 33% of Black respondents) completely agree that they feel that they belong and are accepted in the U.S., the lowest of all racial groups.
• Asian American youth and women rate an even lower sense of belonging and acceptance in U.S. society—just 19% of Asian Americans between 18-24 and 66% of Asian American women compared to 75% of Asian American men.
  
• 72% of Asian Americans who are born outside of the U.S. feel that they belong and are accepted in the U.S., while only 67% of Asian Americans born in the U.S. feel the same

Asian Americans still go unseen despite Americans acknowledging their economic and cultural contributions to the U.S.Over 70% of respondents believe that Asian Americans have benefited the U.S.

• However, 58% of Americans are unable to name a prominent Asian American. Up from 42% in 2021. The most prominent Asian named was Jackie Chan, who is not Asian American.
• Majority of Americans cannot name an AAPI historical moment more recent than World War II Internment.
• When asked to identify the roles of Asian Americans in the entertainment industry:10% of respondents said they often see Asian women portrayed as sex workers
• 29% of respondents said they often see Asian American men as kung fu masters and criminals.
• Encouragingly, 71% of respondents said they would like to see more Asian Americans in TV and movies, with younger and very liberal respondents the keenest.

"Although this year's Index paints a more sobering picture of the status of Asian Americans than our inaugural survey last year, having an accurate and shared understanding of how Asian Americans are perceived is the only way any of us—advocates, policymakers, business leaders, and everyday Americans—will know what solutions need to be pursued," says Chen. 

"We clearly have a tremendous amount of work to do to ensure Asian Americans are fully—and finally—embraced in this country, but I am hopeful that the more we all understand the depth and breadth of these issues, the harder we will work to rectify them."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AAPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.