LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Nearly half of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults in the United States faced hate in 2024, according to a new report from Stop AAPI Hate. The data, released July 17, shows that 48 percent of AAPI adults reported experiencing some form of hate or discrimination this year. The numbers remain nearly the same as in 2023, when the report found 49 percent of AAPI adults had similar experiences. 

The findings highlight a persistent trend of anti-AAPI hate that continues to affect millions, especially in California. California, home to the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the nation, continues to be the epicenter of this ongoing issue. The state has long been a cultural hub for AAPI communities, but it also records a high number of hate incidents.

Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition tracking hate incidents nationwide, says that anti-Asian sentiment has not declined despite national attention and awareness efforts in recent years. The group began its reporting work during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hate crimes against AAPI individuals spiked.

The report found that AAPI adults encounter a wide range of discriminatory acts. These include verbal harassment, physical assaults, workplace bias, and online abuse. Many respondents reported being followed, shunned, or treated unfairly in public spaces. Verbal harassment remained the most common form of hate. However, many incidents go unreported. Community advocates say that fear, language barriers, and mistrust of law enforcement often prevent victims from speaking out.

For many AAPI families, the feeling of safety has not returned. Despite public support and local initiatives, community members say they still feel targeted. Many are changing their daily routines or avoiding public spaces altogether. Russell Jeung, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, said the ongoing trend is alarming. “When nearly half of a population says they have experienced hate, it’s a crisis,” he said. Jeung added that real change will require stronger laws and better community outreach.

President Joe Biden signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act in 2021, which aimed to speed up the investigation of hate crimes and improve reporting systems. Yet, advocates say the law has not done enough to stop the surge of anti-AAPI hate.

The new report urges more investment in community safety programs and culturally appropriate mental health services. It also calls on schools and employers to take a more active role in protecting AAPI individuals from discrimination. The report concludes with a call to action for lawmakers, law enforcement, and communities to address the root causes of hate. This includes tackling misinformation, promoting cultural education, and building trust with AAPI communities.

Stop AAPI Hate recommends better training for police, more language access services, and stronger civil rights protections. The group also wants more data collection to understand the full scope of the problem. Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are among the fastest-growing groups in the United States. Yet, they continue to face exclusion, violence, and bias. The latest data shows that the problem has not gone away.

While awareness is growing, real safety and justice remain out of reach for many AAPI individuals. The report serves as a reminder that anti-Asian hate is still a daily reality for millions of Americans. As California and the rest of the country look to the future, community leaders hope that increased visibility and stronger policies can finally help stop the hate.