It is difficult to define what is meant by "Asian".  The continent of Asia covers 17,212,000 square miles, 30% of the Earth's land mass, with a population of 3,701,000,000.  Asians belong to 28 diverse population groups, all speaking different languages.  2003 data show that of the 12.5 million Asians in the United States, over 1 million live in NYC.  From 1990 to 2000 there was a 59.5% increase in the number of Asian American New Yorkers.

Since 1965, when the Civil Rights Act promoted immigration of those who have relatives residing in the U.S., Asians have been arriving in NYC in record numbers.  The New York Asian community is comprised of long-time residents and recent immigrants.

Whereas Asians who arrived in the U.S. before the middle of the 20th century pursued economic goals, those who emigrated after 1965 also included refugees who were fleeing political oppression.  As with all new groups who come to the U.S., there are many challenges, including health and social problems.  The NASW-NYC Center for Social Work Policy and Practice is examining  these challenges and the efforts of social workers to meet them.

The Need for Commitment, Advocacy and Durable Funding Sources: Social Work in New York City's Asian Community

By: Jeanette C. Takamura, MSW, PhD, Dean, Columbia University School of Social Work (May 2006)

Providing Leadership to Asian Agencies: Asian American Federation of New York

By: Cao O, LMSW, Executive Director, Asian American Federation of New York (May 2006)

Understanding and Adaptation: Keys to Effective Services: Focus Group on Social Work with NYC's Asian Communities (May 2006)

Pioneering Services for the Asian Community: Hamilton Madison House

By: Peter Yee, LMSW, Assistant Executive Director for Behavioral Health Services, Hamilton Madison House and NASW-NYC Board Member; and

Jessica Tynan, LMSW, ESL and Special Projects Coordinator, Hamilton Madison House

(May 2006)

Beyond Cultural and Religious Biases: Asian Indians and Mental Health Issues

By: Francis Jacobs, PhD, LCSW-R; and

Mathew Mukalel, MSW, M.Phil., LMSW, Harlem Hospital Center (May 2006)

Lost in Translation, Lost in Health Care: Social Workers Serving NYC's Korean Community

By: Seongho Kim, MA, MSW, Director, Community Health Initiative, American Cancer Society

(May 2006)