NOW Marks AAPI Heritage Month Amid Rising Anti-Asian Hate and ICE Arrests

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to recognize the indispensable role AAPI Americans have played in shaping the United States. The month honors key historical milestones—the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant in 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, largely built by Chinese immigrant labor.

Today, the AAPI community is the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the country. Yet despite their growing presence and contributions, AAPI individuals continue to grapple with harmful stereotypes and misinformation. A national survey by the Asian American Foundation reveals a troubling disconnect: 40 percent of Americans believe Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to the United States. This false perception fuels discrimination and harassment that AAPI people face both online and in public.

The consequences are dire. Hate crimes and bullying targeting AAPI individuals have surged, exacerbated by anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. A recent analysis from Stop AAPI Hate highlights the dangers posed by Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation blueprint that threatens immigrant communities through aggressive enforcement and dismantling of civil rights protections.

Alarmingly, ICE arrests of AAPI people have skyrocketed under Donald Trump, reaching four times the levels seen under Joe Biden. Nearly half of AAPI adults report personal or community impacts from anti-immigrant policies in the past year alone.

NOW, which co-founded an AAPI Caucus to amplify these voices, is clear-eyed about the stakes. The organization pledges to fight back against hate, push for equity and inclusion, and protect immigrant communities from authoritarian overreach. As AAPI Heritage Month unfolds, NOW urges everyone to confront anti-Asian hate and demand accountability from those in power.

In a moment when democracy itself is under threat, recognizing and defending the rights of AAPI Americans is not just a celebration—it is an urgent act of resistance.