As the United States marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) has released its fifth annual Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the U.S. (STAATUS) Index, a comprehensive national study examining public perceptions of Asian Americans.
Unveiled on May 1, 2025, the report highlights how persistent stereotypes, misinformation, and media portrayals continue to shape—and often distort—public attitudes toward Asian Americans. The findings expose deepening biases that contribute to feelings of exclusion and misunderstanding.
A central finding of the 2025 report is the growing belief that Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to the United States. This perception, rooted in the long-standing “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, has reached a record high: 40% of Americans now hold this belief, nearly double the 21% recorded in 2021, when the survey was first conducted during a rise in anti-Asian hate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions, 27% of Americans view Chinese Americans as a national security threat. Additionally, 40% support legislation barring foreign nationals—including those from China—from purchasing U.S. land.
“This data shows a growing perception that Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin—a troubling reflection of the ‘perpetual foreigner’ myth,” said TAAF CEO Norman Chen. “It underscores the disconnect between how Asian Americans are perceived and the realities of our lives. These misperceptions affect our safety, belonging, and opportunities in America.”
The STAATUS Index also reveals that Americans often have a limited and stereotypical view of who Asian Americans are. For example, 46% associate “Asian American” with Chinese Americans, while only 6% think of Indian Americans, despite Indian Americans being the largest Asian American group according to U.S. Census data.
A lack of visibility in public life also persists. 42% of Americans cannot name a famous Asian American, with Jackie Chan (11%)—who is not American—and Bruce Lee (6%) cited most frequently. Similarly, 53% cannot name a significant event involving Asian Americans, and 54% are unable to identify a notable Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
Media consumption, especially among younger Americans aged 16–24, further skews understanding. Many conflate Asian cultures abroad with Asian American experiences, citing Japanese anime (43%) and Korean dramas (42%) as their primary points of exposure. This blurring contributes to confusion between Asian and Asian American identities.
When asked about films featuring Asian American characters, 37% of Americans could not name one. Those who did mostly mentioned East Asian-centric films like Crazy Rich Asians (11%) or Jackie Chan movies (3–7%). Asian American men are often portrayed through martial arts tropes (15%), while Asian American women are frequently invisible (44% could not name a role) or stereotyped as martial artists (5%), “geeks” (4%), or doctors (4%).
While more Americans believe Asian Americans are treated fairly—48%, up from 30% in 2021—many Asian Americans report the opposite. 63% feel unsafe in public spaces, particularly on transit (33%) and online (26%), and an equal percentage fear future discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion—nearly double the 33% of white Americans who share that concern.
In the past year, 49% of Asian Americans were insulted due to their race, 36% experienced harassment or threats, and 15% reported physical attacks or assaults. Only 40% of Asian Americans strongly feel they belong in the U.S., compared to 71% of white Americans, with neighborhoods and online spaces often feeling unwelcoming.
In professional settings, stereotypes persist. While Asian Americans are often praised as “intelligent/smart/educated” (40%), “hard-working” (24%), and “kind/nice” (16%), they are also viewed as less assertive and charismatic than white Americans. This impacts perceptions of leadership potential, limiting career advancement despite qualifications.
Both East and South Asian Americans are seen as reliable and respectful, yet are perceived as having less authoritative leadership styles—reinforcing the so-called “bamboo ceiling.”
Despite widespread misperceptions, the report finds strong public support for education about Asian American history. 41% support legislation to require AANHPI history in schools, 66% prioritize teaching about immigration, 52% about discrimination, and 49% about cultural traditions.
In addition, 38% support funding school or community programs to promote Asian American cultures, and 36% favor investments in law enforcement to address anti-Asian discrimination. Interest in cultural engagement is also high, with 46% wanting more events and local business promotion in ethnic enclaves like Chinatowns and Little Saigons.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
