Chapter Chat: We Are Not a Virus: Addressing Xenophobia and Violence Among the Asian American Community

Asians are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States (U.S.) and by 2065, are projected to represent 14% of the population (Pew Research Center, 2015). Additionally, Asian Americans constitute a small, hidden population within the social work profession. Between 2019 and 2020, hate crimes targeting Asian Americans increased by 150%, mostly in New York and Los Angeles, and continues to grow. This session addresses the stereotypes, myths, and facts in working with this invisible and marginalized population, why they are marginalized, what it means to be multiracial, and how diverse communities can join forces in striving for social justice. Social workers will greatly benefit from this informative and supportive session in working with Asian Americans across the lifespan, applicable to all systems of social work.