Many view America as a land of opportunity and prosperity, yet there can be starkly different realities.
According to Pew Research Center, of the 2.3 million Asian-Americans in the U.S., a large proportion grapple with poverty. Analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Pew finds one in ten Asian Americans live below the poverty line.
Yet, Indian-Americans seem to fare better, with only 6% living in poverty, the lowest rate among Asian ethnic groups.
Poverty rates are highest among Burmese Americans at 19%, and Hmong Americans at 17%.
Predominantly over 25 Years of Age
Pew's study also shows that one-third of impoverished Asian Americans are over 25 and hold bachelor's degrees. The poverty rate among Asian Americans with such credentials is 5%.
Nearly a million Asian Americans below the poverty line reside in America's top 10 cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 by Pew Research reveal eight out of ten Asian-Americans have faced hardships.
Dependent on Food Banks
Fifty-seven percent of Asian-Americans living below the poverty line lack any savings, while 38% rely on food banks and charities for meals.
Chasing the American Dream
Annually, millions migrate from Asia to fulfill their dreams in America. Research indicates, however, that 47% feel unable to achieve their dreams, while 15% believe they have attained what they sought. Another 36% feel they are on the path to fulfilling their aspirations.
An overwhelming 91% of Asian-Americans yearn for the freedom to live as they wish, equating it to dream fulfillment. Additionally, 90% equate a comfortable retirement with realizing the American dream.
Over 20 Million Asian-Americans
An estimated 2.35 million people in America are of Asian descent, with Chinese Americans accounting for 5.2 million, the largest group, followed by nearly 4.8 million Indian Americans, which include over 1.6 million visa holders and over a million U.S.-born individuals.
