The Arrival of Asian Americans: An Agenda for Legal Scholarship

Abstract

Asian Americans have arrived.Every generation supposes itself to invent the world anew, but for Asian Americans as a racial minority group, there has been no better time than the present moment.In the past decade, Asian immigrants and their American-born descendants have become so numerous and prominent that it has become impossible to ignore their communities and claims.According to the 2000 census, Asian Americans number approximately 11,899,000, or about four percent of the overall national population of about 281,422,000.'Even and perhaps especially those who are alarmed by the changing demographics of the United States, along with scholars studying race matters and activists for racial justice, must take into account Asian Americans.The exact ends and means of integrating Asian Americans should be articulated rather than assumed.Consider the changes within just the legal academy.Asian Americans and Asian American studies are both flourishing.Without exaggerating Asian American achievements, it can be saidit must be saidthe number of Asian American students has increased dramatically.In 1982-83, Asian American enrollment at law schools was only 1,947.2In 2001-02, Asian 0 2003 Frank H. Wu This essay is adapted from the author's opening keynote speech for the Asian American Heritage Month observances at the University of Connecticut at Storrs, delivered October 1, 2002.It belongs to a genre of essay no longer much written; it can be read as an exhortation.See especially

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