Diversity Among Asians & Pacific Islanders
Asian & Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) represent over 40 distinct ethnic groups. These subgroups encompass tremendous diversity, not only in cultural and linguistic differences, but also socio-economic, educational and generational differences.
Nationwide
A&PIs were the fastest growing ethnic/racial group in the U.S. throughout the last two decades. Based on the 2000 Census, the growth rate for Asians over the previous decade was 72%, and Pacific Islanders 140%, while the Latino growth rate was 58%. Current estimates indicate that the A&PI population remains one of the fastest growing groups in the country.
In California
A&PIs represent 12.9% of California's population. In addition, California's A&PIs have the highest percentage of children under age 18, at 12.7% (Latinos 12.5%; Blacks 12.5%; whites 11.2 %).
In Alameda County
A&PIs in Alameda County had the highest growth rate of any ethnic group throughout the past decade, at 62.9%. They now make up one fifth, or 20.9%, of the county's population.
Over a third of Alameda County's A&PI households are linguistically isolated. This percentage is greater than any other ethnic group in the county.
Focusing on Alameda County's residents from Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Cambodian, Hmong, Laotians, Mien, and Vietnamese), the vast majority --from 90 to 95 percent -- speak their native language at home. Many within this group face another tremendous challenge -- they suffer a high incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder due to years of war and dislocation.
The majority of ACMHS clients live below the poverty level. Approximately 80% are on two types of public assistance. Most are Medi-Cal-eligible.
There are no specific studies of A&PI youth and their mental health risks. However, in 2000, the Alameda County Probation Office reported that A&PI youth had the second-highest arrest rates next to African American youth, an average of 16.1 per 100 population. Samoans (7.4); Laotians (6.6), Vietnamese (6.4), Cambodian (4.9), and Korean (4.9).
One of the most startling findings revealed that, once convicted, these A&PI youth have the highest rate of institutional placement (23.4%).
In Contra Costa County
A&PIs represent 11.2% of Contra Costa County's population. The county's A&PI growth rate of 43.4% over the last decade was second-highest in the nine Bay Area counties. Nearly 70% of Contra Costa County's Asian population is foreign born. One in five Asian residents of Contra Costa County speaks a language other than English at home and speaks English "not well" or "not at all."
