Poverty is significantly more pervasive among Asian Americans in New York City than generally believed, according to a new study released by the Asian American Federation. "Working but Poor: Asian American Poverty in New York City" finds that almost one-fifth of all Asian residents are poor. Even greater levels of poverty exist for the elderly Asians and for some Asian ethnic groups -- Cambodian, Bangladeshi, Vietnamese and Pakistani Americans. Almost half of Asian Americans have low incomes.
"Our findings counter the widely held perception of Asian Americans doing well financially," said Cao K. O, Executive Director of the Asian American Federation. "Almost one-fifth of Asian New Yorkers lived in poverty and close to half of this largely working-poor, immigrant population was in the low-income bracket in 2006."
"Working but Poor: Asian American Poverty in New York City" is the first detailed analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 American Community Survey and Census 2000 data regarding poor and low-income Asian New Yorkers.
The report reveals little-known Asian characteristics and points out many demographic distinctions between Asians and city residents overall. For example, the report finds that poor and low-income Asian working-age adults (age 18 to 64) are more engaged in the labor force than the total New York City working-age population. Almost half (47 percent) of working-age Asians below the poverty level and 71 percent of Asians that age in the near-poor bracket (between the poverty level and the top of low-income standing) had a job or were actively seeking one in 2006, compared with 42 percent and 68 percent, respectively, of all working-age New Yorkers. The unemployment rate for poor working-age Asians was 16 percent, lower than 27 percent for all poor city residents in that age group.
"New York City's Asian American community contributes significantly to the city's economy. Yet many Asians are vulnerable and unprotected, trapped on the low rungs of the economic ladder," said Cao K. O. "Our analysis indicates they are hampered by effects of their immigrant status, including language barriers, as well as limited access to health and retirement benefits."
The Federation discussed its report during a forum this morning at United Way of New York of New York City. An executive summary of the report is available at the organization's website.