華亞裔參政急在眉睫

當今的美國社會，風雲激盪，局勢多變。從國會山莊到州議會，從市議會到學區董事會，每一個政治決策都與我們的生活息息相關。對於華人與廣大亞裔而言，參政不再是一個選擇題，而是一道必答題。因為，我們若不發聲，別人便會替我們決定；我們若不行動，歷史將再次將我們邊緣化。

回顧歷史，亞裔移民為美國的發展付出了血汗與智慧：修築鐵路的華工、打拼餐館與洗衣店的華裔家庭、進入高科技領域的工程師與醫師……一代又一代的努力，鋪就了我們在這片土地上的立足之本。然而，雖然在經濟、教育和文化上成就卓著，亞裔群體在政治上的聲量卻依然偏弱。正因如此，我們的社區在移民政策、教育資源分配、公共安全、少數族裔平權等重大議題上，往往無法獲得應有的話語權。

特別是在近年反亞裔仇恨浪潮的衝擊下，我們更加深刻體會到：政治冷漠並不能換來安全與尊重，唯有積極參與，才是保障社群權益的唯一道路。我們必須打破「亞裔沉默族群」的刻板印象，讓主流社會聽到我們清晰而有力的聲音。

「參政」不僅僅意味著競選公職，更包含了註冊投票、積極投票、支持有利社區的候選人、監督政府政策、參與公聽會與社區組織。從基層到高層，每一個小小的動作，都是民主拼圖上不可或缺的一塊。當我們擁有足夠的投票率與組織力，就能夠影響決策，守護我們的利益。

今天，華亞裔已經成為美國增長最快的族群之一。在某些州與選區，亞裔選票甚至足以決定選舉勝負。這是一股龐大的力量，但若不凝聚，便如散沙；一旦團結，便能撼動政治版圖。

因此，華亞裔參政，已急在眉睫。我們不能再等待，不應再觀望。我們要教育下一代明白，民主不是理所當然，而是需要一代又一代人努力守護。唯有如此，才能真正確保我們的後代在這片土地上挺直腰桿，平等自信地與其他族裔並肩前行。

Asian American Political Participation: An Urgent Call

Today’s America is marked by shifting winds and rapid change. From Capitol Hill to state legislatures, from city councils to school boards, every political decision shapes the lives of our families and our communities. For Chinese and Asian Americans, political participation is no longer a matter of choice — it is a matter of survival. If we do not speak, others will speak for us; if we do not act, history will once again consign us to the margins.

Looking back, generations of Asian immigrants have built their lives and dreams on this land through sacrifice and perseverance. Chinese laborers laid the tracks of the transcontinental railroad; countless families toiled in laundries, restaurants, and shops; doctors, engineers, and scientists contributed to America’s rise in the modern era. Yet, despite these contributions, our community has too often been overlooked in the halls of power. We have excelled in education, science, and commerce — but in politics, our voice remains faint.

This silence comes at a cost. On issues that matter deeply — immigration policy, educational opportunity, public safety, civil rights — Asian Americans have repeatedly found themselves without a seat at the table. And in recent years, amid a surge of anti-Asian hate, we have learned a painful truth: political indifference cannot buy us safety or respect. Only political engagement can protect our rights and secure our future.

Political participation is not only about running for office, though that is crucial. It also means registering to vote, showing up on Election Day, supporting candidates who champion our community, holding leaders accountable, and engaging in civic dialogue. From the local level to the national stage, each step — no matter how small — adds to the strength of our collective voice. When our turnout and our unity rise, decision-makers must take us seriously.

Today, Asian Americans are among the fastest-growing populations in the United States. In key states and districts, our votes can sway the balance of power. This is not a potential to be wasted; it is a responsibility to be embraced. A divided community is powerless, but a united community can reshape the political landscape.

That is why Asian American political participation is urgent and cannot wait. We must act now. We cannot afford to remain spectators in a system that governs our future. We must also prepare the next generation to understand that democracy is not guaranteed — it must be protected and renewed through action. Only then will our children stand tall in this country, confident and equal among all people.