Philadelphia, PA — April 28, 2026
Across the United States, many Asian American families are quietly navigating a difficult balancing act: working full-time while caring for both children and aging parents. Often described as the “sandwich generation,” this experience is especially common in Chinese and other Asian immigrant communities, where caregiving responsibilities are largely handled within the family.
Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced the launch of a new Caregiving Task Force, aiming to bring greater attention to the growing burden faced by caregivers in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
The task force will be co-chaired by Senator Andy Kim and Representative Marilyn Strickland, and is expected to focus on expanding access to affordable childcare, strengthening support for family caregivers, and improving care infrastructure. CAPAC Chair Grace Meng said the initiative aims to promote a “whole-of-government approach” to addressing caregiving challenges.
Why AANHPI Families Face Greater Caregiving Pressure
Data shows that approximately one in eight individuals in AANHPI communities serve as family caregivers—higher than the national average. Multigenerational households are also more common, with about 27% of Asian Americans living in such arrangements.
Cultural expectations play a significant role. In many Asian families, caring for aging parents is seen as a fundamental responsibility, often leading individuals to take on extensive unpaid caregiving work. Asian women, in particular, spend more time on caregiving than any other racial group, with the estimated annual value of unpaid care reaching nearly $6,000 per person.
However, when caregiving is largely confined within the family, the lack of external support can place significant strain on individuals.
Beyond Time and Cost: Language Barriers Add Another Layer
In practice, caregiving pressure often translates into lost income and limited time. Studies show that around 30% of Asian American households with young children have missed work due to childcare disruptions, while 40% have adjusted work schedules to meet caregiving needs.
For many immigrant families, however, the challenge goes beyond time and finances.
Language barriers remain a critical obstacle. Older immigrants—many of whom have limited English proficiency—often struggle to navigate healthcare systems, access caregiving services, or apply for government programs without translation support. As a result, family members frequently take on additional roles as interpreters and coordinators, further increasing their burden.
At the same time, culturally competent care options remain limited, and stigma around institutional care or mental health support can discourage families from seeking outside help.
From Private Burden to Public Policy
The creation of CAPAC’s Caregiving Task Force signals a broader shift: caregiving is increasingly being recognized not just as a private family responsibility, but as a public policy issue.
The task force is expected to explore solutions such as expanding affordable care options, supporting informal caregivers, and improving working conditions for care workers. However, translating policy discussions into real, accessible resources remains a key challenge.
In particular, without adequate language access and culturally responsive services, many immigrant families may still struggle to benefit from these initiatives.
What This Means for Immigrant Families
For many Chinese and other immigrant families already shouldering caregiving responsibilities, the launch of this task force represents a step toward recognition.
Yet a central question remains: will these efforts lead to tangible support at the community level?
Access to information—in languages people understand—along with practical, culturally appropriate services, will likely determine whether policy changes can meaningfully reduce the burden on families.
As caregiving needs continue to grow, ensuring that no family is left to navigate these challenges alone is an issue that will require sustained attention.
