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New Report Examines Role of Asian Americans in Electoral Process

Washington, September 30, 2008 – A new report brings the nation’s fast growing Asian American population into sharper focus describing their impact on society and ability to influence the political and civic life of the nation.

The Carnegie Corporation-funded report, The State of Asian America: Trajectory of Civic and Political Engagement, was published by Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP) a public policy institute, and examines demographic trends, political preferences and the emerging influence of Asian American voters, among other issues.

The report explores issues including growth trends, political and civic engagement, immigrant status, the importance of the 2010 Census, Internet use, and state of Asian American non-profits.

The State of Asian America reveals that about 61% of Asian Americans are foreign born, the highest rate of any minority group in the country. And 57% of Asian immigrants to the US become Americans citizens, a rate also higher than any other immigrant group. But, nationalization is only one barrier to political participation, the others, registration and turnout, can also be very challenging.

Carnegie Corporation of New York funds grantees whose work helps to accelerate the integration of immigrants into American society through civic education, creating pathways to citizenship and increasing tolerance of foreign born U.S. residents through education about their cultures.