A recent report by Stop AAPI Hate has revealed a sharp increase in anti-Asian online hate in the United States following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. The nonprofit organization, which tracks discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, attributed the rise to Trump’s immigration policies and ongoing debates over H-1B work visas.
According to the report, January 2025 saw the highest number of recorded anti-Asian slurs online since monitoring began in August 2022, reaching 87,945 instances. Compared to November, online slurs increased by 66%, with anti-South Asian hate climbing by 75%. Threats of violence against Asians also surged by more than 50% in both December and January.
Rights groups have criticized Trump’s stance on immigration, arguing that his rhetoric fuels hostility toward immigrants. His administration has also faced backlash for efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which supporters say are vital for marginalized communities.
While Trump has defended his policies, claiming they target illegal immigration and prioritize merit, his support for H-1B visas—primarily issued to Indian professionals—has sparked mixed reactions among his base. Online discussions have frequently focused on accusations that Indian workers are taking American jobs.
The trend of increasing online hate against Asian Americans, particularly South Asians, had been growing since 2023, the report noted, coinciding with the rising prominence of Asian American politicians in the lead-up to the election.
