Population Growth of Asians Outpaced Hispanics During the Last Decade

By Lauren D'Avolio

Opportunities are mounting to take the Gospel to more newly-arrived Asian-Americans.

More than twice as many immigrants to the nation’s most populous state -- California -- now come from Asia than from Latin America, according to The New York Times.

Some of the largest increases in the Asian population were in wealthy white suburbs in the San Gabriel Valley. In the Los Angeles suburb of San Marino, just a generation ago, whites made up about two-thirds of the population, The New York Times found. Most of the homes here are worth significantly more than $1 million. Yet, Asians now make up more than half of the population in San Marino.

Many of the immigrants are from China and Taiwan. That’s where they were part of an equally educated and affluent group. They have excitedly bought property in places like San Marino, where the median income is almost double that of Beverly Hills and is home to one of the highest-performing school districts in the state. The local library now offers story time in Mandarin.

Hans Johnson, a demographer with the Public Policy Institute of California, said these patterns may be about particular places, but they are generally true for the nation. The majority of immigrants in California are from Latin America, but of those who have been arriving most recently, we see those arrivals are more likely to be Asians than Latin Americans.

“For a long time, the largest group of immigrants has been from Latin America. There’s been a pretty dramatic change in the last 10 years in California, since we now have twice as many immigrants from Asia as Latin America,” Johnson said. “The economy has dried up a lot of opportunities where a lot of Latin American immigrants have worked. A lot of immigrants from Asia come to America with degrees.”

How are we, as Christians, supposed to respond to immigrant of any sort or kind? Unsurprisingly, with love.

Leviticus 19:34 says, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

Deuteronomy 10:19 asserts: “And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”

It’s also worth noting that God makes us part of his family when we’re born again in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:19: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”

God’s love is available to everyone, regardless of country of origin, race or creed. God adopts us as part of His family when we come to faith in His son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the gospel. The good news is revealed in His birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. Christ’s crucifixion is the heart of the Gospel; His resurrection is the power of the gospel and His ascension is the glory of the Gospel. Christ’s death is a substitutionary sacrifice to God for our sins. It satisfies the demands of God’s holy justice and appeases His holy wrath. It also demonstrates His mysterious love and reveals His amazing grace.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo