AAPI Immigrants in NYC: Over Half Consider Leaving in 2026
Sam Wat arrived in New York City from Hong Kong in 2013 with nothing but ambition. Thirteen years later, he has a master's degree, a wife, and a home on Staten Island — and he is thinking about leaving. A new survey shows he is not the only one.
What if you built your entire life in one city — your degree, your marriage, your home — and now the math simply stopped working? That is the real question facing Sam Wat, an immigrant from Hong Kong who has lived in New York City since 2013. He earned a master's degree, married, and bought a home on Staten Island. Today, he and his wife are seriously discussing a move to Texas.
Wat is far from alone. A survey by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) — conducted between February 12 and March 11, 2026, across all five boroughs — found that 55% of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults in New York City have thought about leaving because of the high cost of living. The survey reached 1,400 AAPI adults and was conducted in English, Chinese, Korean, and Bengali. Half of respondents said they struggled to afford essentials like food, housing, or utilities over the past 12 months. Six in ten said they had trouble saving money for the future.
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Who Feels It Most
The financial pressure hits hardest in specific groups. Bangladeshi New Yorkers reported the sharpest housing struggles: 55% said they had difficulty finding safe and stable housing. Affordability concerns were most intense among people aged 40 to 49, Manhattan residents, and households earning under $49,000 a year. Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation, said the data reflects "rising housing costs, the need for family-sustaining wages, and the cost of operating a small business." Nearly half of AAPI New Yorkers also reported trouble finding work or educational advancement. Despite all of this, 77% said they still feel a sense of belonging in New York City — a sign that the pull to stay is real, even when the finances say otherwise.
Some have already left. Peter Z., an immigrant from China, moved from a 500-square-foot apartment in Rego Park, Queens, to Jersey City during the pandemic. He now pays more in rent but splits the cost with his partner and gets a larger, newer apartment with a shorter commute. Still, he warns that Jersey City is also becoming more expensive as more New Yorkers relocate there. Wat's friend sold his Staten Island home and moved to Texas two years ago — same salary, much lower cost of living, no state income tax. "With the same salary he had in NYC, they have a much better quality of life," Wat said.
What to Do
- If you are on a work visa (such as H-1B) or hold a green card, check with an immigration lawyer before moving to another state — your employer sponsorship or address on file with USCIS may need to be updated.
- If you receive any immigration benefits tied to a specific address (such as a work permit or pending green card application), notify USCIS of your new address using Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving.
- If you are considering moving abroad or leaving the US permanently and hold a green card, talk to an immigration attorney first — extended absences can put your permanent residency at risk.
- Contact a local AAPI community organization in your target city before relocating — many offer free legal clinics and can connect you with immigration resources in the new area.
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Moving to another state sounds simple, but for immigrants on employer-sponsored visas or with pending green card applications, it can trigger serious complications. An H-1B holder whose employer is based in New York, for example, may need an amended petition before starting work in Texas. Green card holders who move abroad — even temporarily — risk abandonment of their permanent residency if they stay outside the US for more than six months without a reentry permit. Before making any move, consult an immigration attorney to review how the change of address or employer affects your specific status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell USCIS if I move to another state?
Yes. Federal law requires you to report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. You do this by filing Form AR-11 online at the USCIS website. This applies to most non-citizens, including green card holders and visa holders with pending applications.
Can moving to another state affect my H-1B visa?
It can. H-1B status is tied to a specific employer and work location. If you move to a new state and your job location changes, your employer may need to file an amended H-1B petition with USCIS before you start working at the new location. Talk to your employer's immigration attorney before relocating.
I have a green card. Can I move freely within the US?
Yes, green card holders can live and work anywhere in the US. However, you must update your address with USCIS using Form AR-11. Also, be careful about long trips outside the US — absences of more than six months can raise questions about whether you abandoned your residency.
What happens to my pending green card application if I move?
You must update your address with USCIS immediately using Form AR-11. If your case is at a specific USCIS field office, it may need to be transferred to the office nearest your new address. Missing a notice because USCIS had your old address can result in your case being denied. An immigration lawyer can help you manage the transfer.