A new survey reveals a decrease in reported anti-Asian hate crimes, but a significant percentage of AAPI adults still experience discrimination and anticipate future bias. The nature of the hate is evolving, shifting from COVID-19 related rhetoric to anti-immigrant sentiments, while economic concerns are now a primary stressor for many.

Complex Trends in Discrimination

Recent data indicates a complex picture regarding discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). While reported anti-Asian hate crimes and bias incidents have decreased overall between 2024 and 2025, based on law enforcement submissions, a significant portion of AAPI adults – 36% – reported experiencing race or ethnicity-based abuse in the past year.

Persistent Fears of Future Bias

Despite the decline in reported incidents, a concerning 3 in 10 AAPI adults anticipate facing discrimination in the next five years, suggesting a persistent underlying fear. Experts note that while the initial rhetoric focused on COVID-19 related scapegoating, it has shifted towards anti-immigrant sentiments.

Evolving Nature of Hate Speech

Phrases like 'Go back to China' are evolving into threats of deportation by 'ICE.' The nature of the discrimination experienced by AAPI individuals is varied. Reports of verbal assaults and slurs have decreased – with approximately 1 in 10 experiencing racial slurs and 15% experiencing verbal harassment, down from higher figures in 2023 – but subtle forms of discrimination persist.

Personal Experiences of Discrimination

Individuals like Ambar Capoor, a naturalized citizen in Los Angeles, and Nosheen Hamid, a resident of Salt Lake City, share experiences of being treated as outsiders, facing questioning about their belonging even in diverse communities. These encounters, while seemingly minor, contribute to a sense of otherness and highlight the enduring impact of racial profiling.

Broader Anti-Immigrant Trends

The shift in rhetoric, as noted by Stop AAPI Hate, reflects a broader trend of using anti-immigrant narratives to justify aggressive enforcement policies, further fueling anti-AAPI sentiment.

Economic Concerns Take Center Stage

Interestingly, current economic anxieties appear to be overshadowing concerns about discrimination for many AAPI adults. Around 40% cite personal finances as a major stressor, with health concerns and family relationships also ranking higher than discrimination, which is a major stressor for only about 10%.

Economic Factors and Discrimination

This is potentially linked to a recognition that economic struggles are driven by factors beyond race or immigration, such as inflation, tariffs, and geopolitical events. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that discrimination manifests differently across the AAPI community, with recent data indicating a rise in incidents targeting South Asians.

Furthermore, experts emphasize that reported incidents represent only a fraction of the actual experiences, and rates remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. The stabilization of hate crime numbers, rather than a continued decline, underscores the need for sustained vigilance and proactive measures to combat anti-AAPI hate.