APIA Vote Responds to US Census Bureau’s Release of 2020 Demographic Data

WASHINGTON, DC –  Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, issued the following statement after the United States Census Bureau released new demographic data from the 2020 Census to the states for the purposes of redrawing electoral districts, giving us a deeper understanding of Americans’ self-identities.

“The United States Census Bureau’s new demographic data confirms what we knew to be true: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are growing in size all across the nation and are driving our country’s population growth. The Asian American population has grown by 36.8% since 2010, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders by 29.5%. Asian Americans are growing by double digits or more in 49 states and the District of Columbia, while Pacific Islanders are growing by double digits in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Asians are the third largest racial/ethnic group in California (15.1%), Massachusetts (7.2%), and Washington (9.2%).

“Our population growth means an opportunity to increase our political voice and power. Elected officials cannot afford to ignore us. They need to engage our communities to be able to address the policies and secure the resources to dismantle systemic inequalities and end anti-Asian hate. APIAVote is working to ensure that voters pick their leaders, not the other way around.

“With the release of this data, re-districting season has officially kicked off. While we continue to advocate for the end of gerrymandering, our local partners have been working for months providing personal testimony and attending redistricting hearings in Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and many more states. We are committed to and investing in ensuring our voices are heard, because only through fair maps can the potential of our growth evidenced in the 2020 Census be realized.”

### About APIAVote: Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) is a national nonpartisan organization that works with partners to mobilize Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in electoral and civic participation. APIAVote envisions a world that is inclusive, fair, and collaborative, and where AAPI communities are self-determined, empowered, and engaged. See our website for more information at http://www.apiavote.org/

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