Increase low-income Asian population and lack of services is not a good combo

[theking]

Increasing population of low-income Asian Americans in New York suburbs are met with lack of services


City Limits published a report on Oct. 14 stating low-income Asian Americans have moved to New York suburbs, but social services have not caught up with that trend.

Migration: City Limits, an investigative news organization based in New York City, identifies and explains urban development and economic issues in the city.

The organization reported that the number of low-income Asian Americans in and around New York City rose by 15% over the last decade, and poorer Asian Americans have moved to surrounding suburbs with minimal social services.

It cited a study by researchers at Asian American Federation (AAF) who found that 290,000 Asian Americans in the New York City Metropolitan Area experienced poverty in 2019 — an increase from the 252,000 in 2010.

City Limits states that this corresponds to the overall rise of the Asian American population, as Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S.

AAF Executive Director Jo-Ann Yoo said the findings should alert the region to the comprehensive needs of a fast-growing population and the important role of media, community leaders and other institutions in affecting change.

“Providing relevant services will require outreach that makes use of cultural networks, ethnic media, and trusted voices and leaders in the community, and could go a long way to lifting this community out of poverty,” Yoo said.