May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month — an annual celebration of the vital contributions that Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have made to our country.
May was chosen to commemorate two historic events: the May 7, 1843 arrival of America’s first Japanese immigrant — a 14-year-old fisherman named Manjiro — and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 — built largely by the labor of Chinese immigrants.
Today, the AAPI community is the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States. More than half of Asian Americans were born in another country, meaning many members of this community are immigrants themselves or closely connected to the immigrant experience.
Yet, according to the Asian American Foundation (TAAF), there is “a stark disconnect” between the lived realities of AAPI communities and how they are perceived.
A national survey by TAAF found that harmful stereotypes, misinformation, and long-standing biases continue to shape public opinion. For example, 40% of respondents believe that Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to the U.S.
These misconceptions have real consequences. Many Asian Americans continue to face harassment, discrimination, and threats to their safety, both online and in public spaces.
We must push back against the staggering rise in bullying and hate crimes targeting AAPI persons.
In 2024, Stop AAPI Hate published an analysis of Project 2025 that documented the damage its proposals could inflict on AAPI communities. Their January update continues to underscore the ongoing risks.
Especially alarming are recent immigration enforcement trends. ICE arrests of AAPI individuals have risen four times higher under Donald Trump than President Biden. Nearly half of AAPI adults report that they or someone in their community experienced the impact of anti-immigrant policies or sentiment in the past year.
As we mark AAPI Heritage Month, NOW understands the urgency of confronting anti-immigrant rhetoric and calling out anti-AAPI hate. I was one of the co-founders of NOW’s AAPI Caucus, and we are committed to building power, amplifying AAPI voices, and ensuring our communities are seen, heard, and protected.
NOW members everywhere pledge to advance equity and inclusion, stand firmly against hate, and reaffirm that the United States remains a welcoming place for all.