Our Passion

The 2000 Census reported, the foreign born population is 28.4 million,10.4% of total U.S. population are foreign born, 20% are 55 and older, 13.8% (65 and older) live in poverty, more than 11 million households are considered linguistically isolated. Census estimates by 2050, one out of every 10 Americans will be of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.

Approximately 70% are recent immigrants and/or refugees, 40-50% of whom have limited English proficiency. North Carolina is listed among states that have the fastest growing API population. States with 135%-274% increase in foreign born population includes North Carolina. Ranking second, the state’s foreign born Asian and Pacific Islander (API) population is recorded near 150,000. (Source: quoted from USEPA on A&APIA Demographics)

The Triangle’s growth and popularity has attracted an increased migration of API population and businesses from cities to the area in search of new opportunities. The increased growth includes a population with limited English proficiency. Finding from the Asian& Pacific Islander American Demographics stated, cultural and linguistic barriers significantly affect API access to health care and information. Limited English proficiency linguistically isolates groups creating a disparity to services and information.

Asian Focus would promote programs to bridge disparity for the API population. To accomplish this, the organization will...

• Foster volunteerism and involvements from bi-lingual API professionals to engage in our program
• Encourage synergy, team efforts, forming collectives (coalitions) to address issues for APIs in the Triangle and NC area
• Establish connections with public, private or independent agencies with APIs
• Sponsor or promote English programs to help APIs that are linguistically or culturally challenged
• Sponsor or promote programs to help API immigrants, refugees, acclimate into the US society