华亚裔参政急在眉睫

当今的美国社会，风云激盪，局势多变。从国会山庄到州议会，从市议会到学区董事会，每一个政治决策都与我们的生活息息相关。对於华人与广大亚裔而言，参政不再是一个选择题，而是一道必答题。因為，我们若不发声，别人便会替我们决定；我们若不行动，歷史将再次将我们边缘化。

回顾歷史，亚裔移民為美国的发展付出了血汗与智慧：修筑铁路的华工、打拼餐馆与洗衣店的华裔家庭、进入高科技领域的工程师与医师……一代又一代的努力，铺就了我们在这片土地上的立足之本。然而，虽然在经济、教育和文化上成就卓着，亚裔群体在政治上的声量却依然偏弱。正因如此，我们的社区在移民政策、教育资源分配、公共安全、少数族裔平权等重大议题上，往往无法获得应有的话语权。

特别是在近年反亚裔仇恨浪潮的冲击下，我们更加深刻体会到：政治冷漠并不能换来安全与尊重，唯有积极参与，才是保障社群权益的唯一道路。我们必须打破「亚裔沉默族群」的刻板印象，让主流社会听到我们清晰而有力的声音。

「参政」不仅仅意味着竞选公职，更包含了註册投票、积极投票、支持有利社区的候选人、监督政府政策、参与公听会与社区组织。从基层到高层，每一个小小的动作，都是民主拼图上不可或缺的一块。当我们拥有足够的投票率与组织力，就能够影响决策，守护我们的利益。

今天，华亚裔已经成為美国增长最快的族群之一。在某些州与选区，亚裔选票甚至足以决定选举胜负。这是一股庞大的力量，但若不凝聚，便如散沙；一旦团结，便能撼动政治版图。

因此，华亚裔参政，已急在眉睫。我们不能再等待，不应再观望。我们要教育下一代明白，民主不是理所当然，而是需要一代又一代人努力守护。唯有如此，才能真正确保我们的后代在这片土地上挺直腰桿，平等自信地与其他族裔并肩前行。

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.