New Survey Reveals Stark Divide: 40% of Americans Doubt Asian American Loyalty to U.S.

A new report, released on May 1, 2025, coinciding with the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, has unveiled concerning public perceptions of Asian Americans in the United States. The fifth annual Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the U.S. (STAATUS) Index, conducted by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), found that a significant minority of Americans harbor doubts about Asian American loyalty, a sentiment that has grown sharply in recent years.

Forty percent of Americans believe Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to the U.S., a figure that has alarmingly doubled since the 2021 iteration of the survey. These findings highlight a pervasive disconnect between public attitudes and the lived experiences of Asian Americans, marked by enduring biases and a heightened sense of insecurity.

Loyalty and Security Concerns

The survey’s central finding that 40% of Americans question Asian American loyalty to the U.S. stands out as particularly troubling in the current geopolitical climate. This sentiment is further compounded by anxieties related to international relations. The STAATUS Index reports that over one in four Americans are concerned that Chinese Americans specifically pose a threat to U.S. society, particularly when it comes to national security. These concerns are noted as arising amidst ongoing tensions between the United States and China, suggesting that geopolitical factors may be fueling domestic suspicion directed at a specific ethnic group within the broader Asian American community.

The Perception Gap and Lived Realities

Despite these concerning views regarding loyalty and security, the survey also presented seemingly contradictory findings regarding perceived societal treatment. A total of 48% of Americans expressed the belief that Asian Americans are treated fairly in society, a figure noted as a five-year high in the survey’s history. However, this perception of fairness does not align with the experiences reported by Asian Americans themselves.

In stark contrast, 63% of Asian Americans who participated in the study reported feeling unsafe and expressed fear of future discrimination. This significant disparity between external perception and internal experience underscores the complex and often challenging reality faced by Asian Americans in the U.S., highlighting a profound disconnect between how the community is viewed and how its members feel and experience daily life.

Understanding, Misunderstanding, and Cultural Learning

The STAATUS Index also probed Americans’ general awareness of the Asian American community and found that many Americans struggle to name a famous Asian American, indicating a potential lack of visibility or understanding of individuals who have contributed significantly across various fields in American society.

Examining how younger generations acquire information about AANHPIs, the survey found that Americans aged 16-24 reported frequently relying on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. They also significantly draw from global pop culture phenomena like Japanese anime (cited by 43%) and Korean TV dramas (cited by 42%). The report notes that this reliance on content originating from Asia can sometimes lead to a conflation of these global cultural expressions with the distinct domestic experiences and identities of Asian Americans.

Perpetuating Stereotypes: The “Model Minority” Myth

Furthermore, the survey suggests that the long-standing “model minority myth” continues to influence how Asian Americans are perceived, particularly in professional settings and leadership roles. The study indicates that Americans tend to view East and South Asian Americans through this lens.

They are often perceived as being more reliable and respectful compared to white Americans in the workplace. Yet, paradoxically, they are also seen as less assertive and charismatic. This pattern extends to leadership perceptions, where Asian Americans are viewed as less authoritative as leaders. These findings highlight how persistent stereotypes, even those seemingly positive on the surface, can limit opportunities, perpetuate harmful biases, and create a narrow, inaccurate portrayal of the diverse skills and attributes within the Asian American community.

Conclusion

The release of the fifth annual STAATUS Index on May 1, 2025, at the commencement of AANHPI Heritage Month, provides a crucial, albeit challenging, snapshot of public attitudes towards Asian Americans in the United States. The data reveals persistent and, in some cases, increasing biases, from fundamental doubts about loyalty and security, particularly concerning Chinese Americans amidst U.S.-China tensions, to the stark contrast between perceived fairness and the reported reality of fear and discrimination.

Coupled with the findings on awareness gaps and the persistence of limiting stereotypes like the “model minority myth,” the report underscores the complex societal landscape Asian Americans navigate. It serves as a compelling call for greater public education, accurate portrayal in media and culture that distinguishes between global Asian culture and domestic Asian American identity, and dedicated efforts to dismantle systemic biases that continue to impact this diverse and vital community. The findings are a stark reminder that despite some positive shifts in perception, significant challenges remain in achieving full understanding and equity for Asian Americans in the U.S.