The transformation of Asian America: immigration, racialization, and the changing landscape of Asian American studies

Driven by civil rights activism, immigration reform, and globalization, Asian America has undergone profound transformations. These forces have fundamentally reshaped demographics, socioeconomic patterns, identity formation, and political participation. Established in 1968 amid the Asian American movement, Asian American studies has since expanded in theoretical, methodological, and institutional scope. Marking the 50th anniversary of Ethnic and Racial Studies, this essay reviews scholarship that illuminates contemporary Asian American dynamics. Moving beyond fixed categorical boundaries, we emphasize shifting positionalities and evolving debates. We address three interconnected themes: the transformation of Asian America; the racialization and representation of Asian Americans in U.S. society; and the development of AAS as an academic field. We argue that understanding contemporary Asian America requires recognizing its internal diversity, changing racial formations, and transnational entanglements, with vital implications for ethnic and racial studies beyond national borders.