The Asian American Community

Asian Americans are Americans of Asian ancestry. The term refers to a pan-ethnic group that includes diverse populations, which have origins in East Asia, South Asia, or Southeast Asia, as defined by the United States Census Bureau.

As a diverse and dynamic population, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at the forefront of the shaping of a new America. With a population of more than 23 million and representing 6 percent of the country’s population, we are the fastest-growing minority group in the United States.

Our population encompasses dozens of communities with roots from countries in East, South, and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have vast ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity. (The U.S. Census Bureau reports national data on 23 distinct Asian American groups and 19 distinct Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander groups.)

Some Asian American families came to the United States several generations ago, while others among us are part of newer waves of immigration that are contributing to the influential growth of our community.

The AAPI community also represents 28 percent of 3.3 million Muslims living in the United States. With an understanding of the tremendous diversity within our community, the Victory Fund will leverage our vast community’s potential for impact.

“As per PEW Social Trends, Asian Americans are the highest-income, best-educated, and fastest-growing racial group in the United States. They are more satisfied than the general public with their lives, finances, and the direction of the country, and they place more value than other Americans do on marriage, parenthood, hard work, and career success, according to a comprehensive new nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center.”

Source: https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2012/06/19/the-rise-of-asian-americans/