Without closely examining the diversity of Asian American experiences, it’s easy to miss the distinct stories of Asian Americans living with economic hardship. – Pew Research
Among the 24 million Asians in the U.S., around 2.3 million live in poverty, facing unique challenges in their pursuit of the American dream. From immigrants navigating language barriers to U.S.-born Asians striving for financial stability, the journey is far from easy. In February 2023, Pew Research Center held focus groups with adults from 11 Asian origin groups most likely to experience economic hardship. Participants, many earning near or below the federal poverty line, shared insights into their struggles and aspirations. Common themes included daily financial stress, stereotypes that Asians don’t need assistance, and a shared belief that financial security is key to achieving the American dream. These stories highlight the resilience and determination within Asian communities amid adversity.
Financial struggles are a significant part of life for many Asian Americans, as revealed in a 2022-23 survey. Participants were asked about challenges like relying on food banks, losing health insurance, struggling to pay rent or medical bills, and being unable to save for emergencies. Among Asian adults living near or below the poverty line, 79% reported experiencing at least one of these hardships in the past year, compared to 48% of those above the poverty line. The most common issue was the inability to save for emergencies, affecting 57% of those in poverty versus 40% of those with higher incomes.
Balancing family needs with limited income, focus group participants described the constant struggle of planning for the future. The pressure to provide for their children’s opportunities while securing their own retirement created a sense of urgency that shaped their financial decisions.
“I feel a bit helpless [about my financial situation]. … I don’t want to be in debt. I have to save money to raise my kids, but I don’t have money to save.”
–Immigrant man of Korean origin in early 30s (translated from Korean)
“[I save money] to go to Pakistan. Because I have four children … I needed five or six tickets, in case my husband traveled with us, and it required a lot of money. We used to save for one whole year, and when we were back from Pakistan, we were usually empty-handed. Then the cycle started again.”
–Immigrant woman of Pakistani origin in late 40s (translated from Urdu)
“You’re not going to work forever. No one is going to work forever. You want to have savings … for your rent [or] in case of medical bills [if] something happens. [You] might as well [save for] some trips down the while when you [can] travel still. But you’re not going to be working at 80 years old, are you?”
–U.S.-born man of Chinese origin in early 40s
For many, the American dream is intertwined with the concept of freedom—freedom from the weight of debt and the daily stress of meeting basic needs like rent and food, and freedom to make life choices without financial constraints. Despite economic hardships, hope persists. Among Asians living near or below the poverty line, half believe they are either on their way to achieving the American dream or have already reached it. This optimism contrasts with those above the poverty line, where a greater percentage report feeling closer to their dreams, underscoring the resilience and determination within these communities.
The pursuit of the American dream is deeply personal, yet it reflects a universal desire for stability, freedom, and opportunity. Despite the challenges of poverty, many remain hopeful, believing they are on a path toward a better future. This resilience speaks to the strength of individuals and communities striving to overcome obstacles and create lives of meaning and fulfillment. By addressing systemic barriers and supporting those in need, we can help ensure that the dream of freedom and opportunity becomes a reality for all.
Hope and determination can overcome any obstacle, lighting the path toward freedom and opportunity.
Kev cia siab thiab kev txiav txim siab tuaj yeem kov yeej txhua txoj kev nyuaj, teeb lub txoj kev mus rau kev ywj pheej thiab kev vam meej.