According to the World Journal, Arizona has implemented the strictest anti-illegal immigration law in the nation, igniting a nationwide debate on immigration support and opposition, particularly with online blogs and message boards filled with racist remarks. However, many people praise Asian Americans, believing they are more diligent than African Americans and Hispanic Americans, and do not rely on government assistance. The crowds protesting against the government’s cuts to welfare have few Asian faces, implying that anti-immigration sentiments should not affect Asians.
Judging by the pseudonyms and wording, those expressing these opinions are not Asian but rather white. This impression is, of course, a conclusion drawn from daily observations and interactions with Asians. For Asians, in the midst of the anti-immigration tide, it can be said that their indifference to not participating in protests has ironically become a "virtue."
However, Asians cannot consider themselves outside of this tide. For example, if police in Arizona conduct checks on illegal immigrants, anyone who appears to be of "foreign descent," including Asians, may become targets for stops and discrimination.
Similar discussions can easily be found online. "Racial profiling" is considered outdated and immoral in the United States, but online anonymity allows many Americans to express their true feelings, which can reveal how white Americans perceive Asians or Chinese Americans, providing significant reference value.
Most Americans still view Asians as outsiders (aliens), albeit with different ethnic characteristics. The achievements of Asians or Chinese Americans in various fields frequently appear in mainstream media. Most Asians work diligently, value their children's education and family, and unless absolutely necessary, few are willing to live off government assistance... These traits are seen as distinguishing Asians from African Americans and Hispanic Americans, thus making them relatively more accepted.
The anti-immigration tide has triggered some Chinese Americans' feelings of being "second-class citizens." Some Chinese Americans self-deprecatingly refer to themselves as second-class citizens because, even though they have the same citizenship, pay taxes, and are protected by the equal rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, they often face daily challenges, including trouble with the police, often due to their limited English proficiency or reluctance to argue their case, leading to unfair treatment. They also do not sufficiently integrate into the mainstream, becoming marginalized members of society. The denser the Chinese American community, the more difficult it is for individuals to break out, which is a common predicament for many Chinese Americans.
Due to the dark history of slavery in America, many African Americans do not work and rely on government assistance, a legacy of their ancestors that everyone must collectively bear. Among the 6.6 million people in the Asian community, at least 300,000 are illegal immigrants, occupying a significant portion of government resources in hospitals and schools. They pay relatively little in taxes, and few countries or ethnic groups can be as generous as the United States. This sentiment is also understandable from a rational perspective. However, from the standpoint of ethnic equality, even if the anti-immigration sentiment is not directed at Chinese Americans, we cannot feel relieved or consider ourselves outside of it. Chinese Americans should stand on the side of the disadvantaged to avoid becoming scapegoats during economic downturns.