Foreword

BEYOND THE COASTS

UNDERSTATED CITIES AAPIS CALL HOME

One of the most persistent struggles for AAPIs throughout American history has been the issue of visibility. Whether Asians are displayed as a dangerous invader or an exotic novelty, the implicit assumption of foreignness that is often ascribed to the AAPI community is not reflected in reality. In reality, the AAPI story is one that is baked into American history and has permeated through many aspects of American culture. While the large coastal AAPI populations have gained increased visibility over the years, many robust AAPI communities remain understated by mainstream media. By analyzing these understated MSAs, we can better understand the reasons why many AAPIs first came to the United States and forecast future migrations patterns to better serve the AAPI community.