Unemployment claims from Asian Americans have spiked 6,900% in New York. Here’s why

Unemployment claims from Asian Americans have spiked 6,900% in New York. Here’s why :: WRAL.com

Business owners and workers told CNN Business that recently, racism and xenophobia against Chinese and Chinese-looking people have been a factor in driving business closures and unemployment claims.

In some of New York City’s predominantly Asian neighborhoods, business owners told CNN Business that foot traffic took a downturn months before lockdowns were in place. Not only that, but Asian employees and business owners told CNN Business they were also apprehensive about commuting to work, as people would give them strange looks and news about anti-Asian hate crimes were spreading across their social media networks.