#USA #New York City #TAAF #Asian American Foundation #AAPI communities

The Asian American Foundation Unveils "State of AAPIs" Research Series

On July 29, 2026, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) launched a revolutionary research initiative titled State of AAPIs. This series aims to provide an in-depth overview of the challenges and experiences faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) across the United States. The significance of this research cannot be overstated, considering that AAPI communities are one of the fastest-growing and most multifaceted demographics in the nation, encompassing over 25 million individuals across more than 50 distinct ethnicities.

TAAF's research dissects the multifaceted social and economic hardships faced by these communities, which are often overlooked in mainstream research and policy discussions. Despite their rapid growth, AAPIs frequently encounter unique struggles that affect their overall wellbeing and stability.

A Closer Look at the Research Findings

Since its inception in 2021, TAAF has strived to understand the pressing needs of the AAPI community. Previous studies explored issues ranging from societal perceptions to mental health concerns. However, the State of AAPIs represents the foundation's most extensive research effort to date, with an investment exceeding $2 million. This initiative aims to gather robust, disaggregated data at the city level, focusing on the prevailing barriers AAPIs face in achieving safety, belonging, and prosperity.

The national report reveals alarming statistics concerning economic insecurity among AAPIs. According to a survey of 1,500 AAPI adults:

• - 51% reported difficulties in saving money or building financial security in the past year, with this figure rising to 60% among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander respondents.
• - 37% of participants experienced significant income disruptions, a trend more prevalent among specific ethnicities, such as 51% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander respondents.
• - Access to safe housing proves to be a challenge for 31% of respondents, while 30% sought government assistance, with an alarming 28% encountering barriers to accessing these much-needed benefits.

Fear and discrimination are prominent concerns, with more than half of those surveyed reporting avoidance behaviors—such as carrying identification or steering clear of specific locations—out of fear of bias from law enforcement. Notably, 37% expressed a belief that they may become victims of a hate crime within the next five years.

Insights from New York City

The situation is remarkably similar in New York City, where TAAF conducted a survey involving 1,400 AAPI residents. Notably, while 67% of AAPIs still view NYC as a land of opportunity, 55% have considered leaving the city due to the rising cost of living. Economic difficulties are underscored by findings that 59% of respondents struggled to save for their future, while 50% worried about affording basic necessities like food and housing.

Adverse treatment remains a reality for many AAPIs: 37% experienced some form of mistreatment in the past year, with figures climbing to 48% among Bangladeshi respondents. Moreover, 36% reported feeling unwelcome in public spaces due to their racial or cultural background. Additional challenges emerged, with 27% facing obstacles related to voting, 28% regarding immigration services, and 29% dealing with communication barriers due to language.

Moving Forward: The TAAF Cities Initiative

Recognizing the need for continued focus, TAAF's Cities Initiative, launched in May 2025, aims to engage cross-sector leaders to develop innovative solutions promoting economic opportunity, safety, and cultural pride in urban environments with substantial AAPI presence. This initiative involves continued research across major cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle, aiming to gather a comprehensive dataset from the AAPI population through multilingual surveys, interviews, and community insights.

As TAAF continues to advocate for AAPIs by shedding light on their various struggles, their State of AAPIs report serves as a vital tool for decision-makers both locally and nationally. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of AAPIs as they navigate a complex societal landscape. To explore the full reports, visit taaf.org.

About TAAF

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) was established in response to a rise in anti-Asian sentiment and the underlying issue of long-term underinvestment in AAPI communities. TAAF is committed to promoting safety, fostering belonging, and advancing prosperity through a wide array of initiatives dedicated to combatting hate and enhancing representation across various sectors.