America is becoming a more diverse country, every day. Asian Americans make major contributions towards the increasing diversity of the United States population. The Asian American population grew from approximately 11.9 million to around 22.4 million between 2000 and 2019, making them the fastest growing minority group in the United States. For the Republican Party, success in future elections depends on broadening its coalition to win votes from the Asian American community.
Asians make up approximately 7 percent of the overall United States population. By 2060, the number of Asian Americans in the United States is projected to be more than 46 million, which would be a big chunk of the overall American population.
There continues to be an influx of people from Asia. Hundreds of thousands of Asians are becoming naturalized American citizens every year and obtaining the right to vote in U.S. elections (refer to Table 21 of the Yearbook of Immigration Statistics). Asian Americans are projected to be the country’s largest immigrant group in 2055. For the Republican Party, this presents an opportunity for growth and victory in future elections.
As an immigrant from Asia and a naturalized United States citizen, I have been active in GOP politics for years. I am a strong conservative. I believe in the Constitution and the rule of law. I support limited government, lower taxes, greater economic freedom, robust public safety measures, strong borders, and powerful national defense. These views provide a framework for a strong and secure America where everyone – regardless of ethnicity, gender, and religion – can thrive.
Many people of Asian origin who are born and raised in America, as well as Asians who come to the United States as immigrants and obtain citizenship, are motivated by the prospect of safety and economic success. Because the GOP focuses on preventing government overreach, stimulating the economy, and creating jobs as the path to prosperity, the political party should be able to find many allies in the growing Asian American population.
Asian Americans are also an educated minority group, with over 54 percent of Asians aged 25 years-old and older having a bachelor’s degree or more education (compared with 33 percent of the American population in the same age range). Because of high educational attainment in the Asian American population, they are more likely to be in favor of free-market economic policies that reward hard work and creativity. Government policies that suppress economic freedom, raise taxes, and impose unnecessary regulations would generally be viewed unfavorably by Asian Americans. Foreign policies that seek to achieve peace through strength would also be naturally appealing to Asian Americans who want a stable economic climate that fosters trade, investment, and growth.
Democrats are trying to draw the Asian Americans towards their party. However, the policies that Republicans propose and advocate for are the ones that Asian Americans would be naturally inclined to support. It is high time for the Republican Party to put emphasis on growing its base by attracting Asian Americans.
The Asian population in the United States is also becoming more active in elections. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, between 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, voter turnout increased across all racial groups – non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic. However, the largest increase – from 49 percent in 2016 to 59 percent in 2020 – was for non-Hispanic Asians who were citizens and eligible to vote based on age. Additionally, Asian Americans are also running for local, state, and federal offices in the United States. As time goes by, the involvement of Asian Americans in U.S. politics will grow.
The Republican Party must enhance its outreach to the Asian American community. The GOP must draw the attention of the members of the Asian American community and establish a bond of commitment to promote policies that protect of freedom and increase economic opportunity.