Notes on Aspiring Young Asian Americans

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Overview of Asian American Professional Workers

• Asian American professionals have been overlooked despite their qualifications and successful integration into American society, particularly the 1.5 generation, who immigrated as children and are indistinguishable in language and cultural integration from native-borne Americans.
• Asians are often labeled as the "model minority" due to their educational attainment and employment in elite jobs, yet struggle to secure leadership positions in companies.

The Importance of Data Analysis

• The research combines census data and interviews with second-generation Asian Americans to illustrate their potential and real struggles in advancing in corporate America.
• Census data shows that many second-generation Asian Americans are employed in elite fields but are not proportionately represented in higher positions.

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Immigration Act of 1965

• Post-1965 Immigration and Nationality Act increased Asian immigration which led to a rapid rise in the second-generation Asian American population.
• Despite this growth, Asian Americans are underrepresented in executive leadership in corporate America, raising questions about their career advancement.

Participant Demographics

• The author conducted 103 interviews with individuals from six Asian American ethnic groups across various states to capture experiences in the corporate landscape.
• Participants include those in specialized professions like finance, law, and media, expected by their late thirties or early forties to have advanced to senior positions.

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Growth of the Asian American Population

• By 2018, Asian Americans accounted for 6.9% of the U.S. population, a rise from 1.2% in 1965, indicating significant demographic changes with projections suggesting they may hit around 14% by 2065.
• Diverse economic backgrounds among Asian ethnic groups resulting in income inequality within the rising population.

Distribution of Asian American Population

• The demographic breakdown highlights the predominance of Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese groups, accounting for the majority of the Asian American population.