Rise in Anti-Asian Hate Continues as U.S. Federal Support Funding Is Cut

Asian Americans are continuing to confront widespread hate across the United States, with a new report warning that *anti-immigrant rhetoric* and deep-rooted systemic discrimination remain significant threats. The situation is poised to worsen as sweeping *federal funding cuts* undermine efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

According to the second annual State of Anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA/PI) Hate report, released on Monday, an alarming 53 percent of AA/PI adults experienced hate incidents during the heated 2024 election year—a notable increase from 49 percent reported in 2023. The data shows that young adults are disproportionately affected, with 74 percent of those aged 18 to 29 reporting experiences of hate last year.

The most prevalent forms of hate, the report found, were harassment—accounting for 48 percent of cases—and institutional discrimination at 24 percent. The emotional toll has been severe: 70 percent of those who encountered hate said they suffered from frequent stress, while 59 percent reported persistent anxiety. Furthermore, a staggering 83 percent expressed concern about the country’s current racial climate.

These findings are drawn from a nationally representative survey of nearly 1,600 AA/PI adults conducted earlier in January by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago. Personal stories included in the report underscore how politically charged anti-immigrant sentiment has fueled both public and institutional hostility nationwide.

Evidence revealed that many Asian Americans have suffered verbal abuse from offenders questioning their identity and right to be in the United States. Victims described being told to "go back to where they came from," facing threats of deportation, and enduring racist language intended to marginalize and exclude them from American society.

Despite rising hate incidents, the majority of victims remain silent. In 2024, 40 percent of AA/PI adults who experienced hate did not share their experience with anyone, not even friends or family. An even larger number—77 percent—never reported these incidents to authorities, reflecting persistent barriers to seeking help.

The struggle for adequate support has been acute: 38 percent of respondents who experienced hate indicated they needed assistance but did not receive any. Of those who did manage to access support, 68 percent said at least one form of help failed to meet their needs.

The release of the report comes at a critical time, as the U.S. Department of Justice announced the elimination of over $810 million in public safety grants. This funding had supported hundreds of organizations dedicated to fighting hate, preventing violence, and assisting victims—resources now jeopardized by the cuts.

Among those affected is Stop AAPI Hate itself, which lost a $2 million grant allocated by Congress two years ago as anti-Asian violence rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocates warn this loss of support will have devastating effects, depriving thousands of individuals and families of much-needed resources.

“Our new data makes clear that public institutions are failing to meet AA/PI communities' needs. And rather than supporting the very organizations that provide vital resources to fight hate and safeguard our communities, we are seeing federal institutions like the DOJ pulling back and reducing critical funding that has already helped make a difference,” stated Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate.

As the nation continues to grapple with the enduring threat of racism and xenophobia, the report’s findings have prompted renewed calls for policymakers to prioritize the protection and well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Without sustained support, advocates caution, efforts to combat hate and recover from trauma stand on increasingly precarious ground.