Experiences of Anti-Asian Racism Among Asian Immigrant Students in ESOL Programs

• In Event: Examining Asian American Students' Educational Experiences During the Twin Pandemics of COVID-19 and Anti-Asian Hate

Abstract

This inquiry examines anti-Asian hate in the wake of COVID-19 and focuses attention on the experiences of Asian immigrant students enrolled in programs for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at a two-year institution. We draw upon AsianCrit to explore the racialization of these newcomer Asian immigrant students and examine how experiences of vicarious racism affect their lives. Interviews with 20 Asian immigrant students, most of whom were women, resulted in three initial themes: 1) fear of racist attack; 2) the surprise of Asian racialization, and 3) the role of colleges in addressing racism.

Authors

• Federick Ngo, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Kristine Jan Cruz Espinoza, University of Nevada - Las Vegas