Asian Americans are as diverse in history, language, class, ethnic origin, and demographics as any group in the United States. This complexity is reflected in their economic status. Much attention has focused on the significant economic attainments of many Asian Americans. The fact, however, that a large number of Asian Americans also live in poverty or have low incomes has received much less notice from researchers, foundations, government agencies, and others.

The principal purpose of this report is to bring attention to and shed more light on a significant sector of Asian Americans in Massachusetts, those with low incomes. We identify the sectors in which the Asian American poor are to be found and some of the characteristics associated with them. Presenting this information is a first step in developing appropriate policies and programs to address the needs of low-income Asian Americans and in stimulating further research and inquiry.