The 2026 STAATUS Index, released by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), highlights a troubling perception gap regarding Asian Americans in the United States. While 40% of Americans believe that Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to the U.S., this figure has doubled since 2021. Despite a record 48% of the general public believing Asian Americans are treated fairly, 63% of Asian Americans report feeling unsafe in daily life, and 73% of Asian women have experienced racism or discrimination in the past year. The survey also reveals that only 38% of Asian Americans feel they completely belong in the U.S., reflecting a sense of alienation. Younger generations learn about Asian culture primarily through media, such as anime and K-dramas, which may blur the lines between Asian American identity and Asian culture. There is strong public support for initiatives to uplift the community, with 80% of Americans backing efforts to improve perceptions of Asian Americans, including 41% who support teaching Asian American history in schools. TAAF is actively working to foster a greater sense of belonging within the community.