1) “Improve data collection, analysis and dissemination for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.”
The report believes “the absence or inadequacy of available data often excludes API participation in federal programs and services.” Needs of specific communities are routinely overlooked because current federal data typically lumps Asian Americans into one macro-aggregate.
A high priority of the commission is to see the full implementation of the 1997 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Standards for Maintaining, Collecting and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity.
The OMB standards would obligate government demographic data to be broken down into ethnic sub-groups, such as Hawaiians and Vietnamese, rather than the general category of Asians. Due to the socio-economic diversity of Asian Americans, a more accurate picture of Asian America will theoretically emerge using the OMB standard.
2) “Ensure access, especially linguistic access and cultural competence for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.”
The 1990 census found that 35 percent of APIs reported that they don’t speak English “very well.” The report finds rates are much higher for Southeast Asian sub-groups. Therefore, the commission believes, “the lack of language competence” is a major reason APIs are separated and alienated from federal programs.”
The commission believes cultural understanding of the different API sub-groups needs to be greatly improved in federal agencies, other than the Department of Health and Human Services.
3) “Protect civil rights and equal opportunity for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.”
Citing the Department of Justice handling of the Wen Ho Lee case, the report believes that federal agencies must be proactive and “vigilant in monitoring and preventing all forms of discrimination, hate crimes and racial profiling, fueled by negative stereotypes, especially about Asian Americans as perpetual foreigners.”
4) “Strengthen and sustain Asian American and Pacific Islander community capacity.”
According to Martha Choe, the commission’s chairperson, “The commission found that there are untapped resources in our communities. Community-based organizations all over this country are working in overdrive to meet the needs of the most under-served in our population. They are providing services where no one else can.” Therefore, the commission calls on federal partners to reach out to these organizations with funding for targeted technical assistance programs. “We need their presence in our communities, and they, in turn, need support from you.” Choe added.
5) “Recognize and include Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in federal programs and Services.”
The specific needs of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders — who number over half a million — have often been neglected and overlooked in federal programs. According to the report, “Reducing the vast disparities in health, education and income faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders requires immediate attention.” Additionally, the report addresses and supports reconciliation and self-determination efforts within this group.
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