Americans Eye Emigration After Trump’s Win, Usha Vance Celebrated, Historic Election for Asian Americans

Good Morning – November 11, 2024

Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with key insights into business, culture, and trends.

TOP STORIES

Americans Looking to Move Abroad After Trump’s Re-Election

Donald Trump’s re-election has sparked a surge in Google searches on emigration, as many Americans consider relocating. Interest in moving to Canada spiked by 1,270% within 24 hours of the election, with searches for New Zealand and Australia climbing by nearly 2,000% and 820%, respectively. New Zealand’s immigration website recorded a dramatic increase in U.S. visitors, totaling 25,000 new users in a single day. Despite this surge, a Casino.org survey indicates only 2.6% of Americans are likely to make the move. This wave of interest highlights heightened dissatisfaction and division following Trump’s victory.

Usha Vance Celebrated by Indian American Supporters and Indian Media

With Kamala Harris soon to leave the vice presidency, Usha Vance, wife of Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, is becoming a celebrated figure in the Indian American community. Usha, the first Indian American to hold this position, has resonated deeply within her community. As the daughter of Indian immigrants, she emphasizes Hindu values and sees her role as part of the American dream. Celebrations in India have highlighted her heritage, with public figures honoring her family’s roots as a source of pride and cultural impact in U.S. politics.

ELECTION INSIGHTS

Meet the First Indian American Elected to Congress from Virginia

Democrat Suhas Subramanyam made history as Virginia’s first Indian American congressman. Winning 52.1% of the vote, he pledged to address healthcare, and environmental protections, and combat corporate influence. His story from a son of immigrants to a public servant has inspired many, symbolizing greater South Asian representation in American politics​.

BUSINESS AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS

China Expands into Disputed Himalayan Territory with New Villages

China is building new settlements in contested Himalayan regions near Bhutan. These developments include housing, roads, and military compounds. Observers believe this expansion solidifies China’s territorial claims in the region, potentially impacting Bhutan-India relations and regional security. Bhutan’s muted response suggests a diplomatic strategy as it navigates complex relations with China and India

Man Jailed for Defrauding Wife and Four Other Lovers in the Same Apartment Complex

A man in China’s Jilin province has been sentenced to prison for deceiving his wife and four other women who all unknowingly lived in the same apartment building. The scheme, involving promises of marriage and financial exploitation totaling 280,000 yuan, unraveled when one of the women reported him after discovering fake currency he provided. This bizarre case underscores the complexities of trust and fraud in modern relationships​.

CULTURE AND TRENDS

Elon Musk’s Mom Faces Backlash Over Attack on Vietnamese American Reporter

Maye Musk, mother of Elon Musk, faced criticism for a comment about Vietnamese American journalist Ryan Mac. Musk accused Mac of preparing a negative article about her son and mentioned his ethnicity in the post, sparking accusations of racism. The post was quickly deleted, but it highlights ongoing tensions between media figures and high-profile families​.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Olympic Shooter Kim Ye-ji Named Tesla Korea’s First Brand Ambassador

Olympic silver medalist Kim Ye-ji has been appointed Tesla Korea’s first brand ambassador. Known for her poised demeanor in competitions, Kim’s partnership with Tesla signifies a rare celebrity endorsement for the company, highlighting Tesla’s efforts to connect with Korean consumers​.

Yuki Kawamura Scores His First NBA Points Against Bronny James

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Yuki Kawamura made headlines by scoring his first NBA points against Bronny James of the Lakers, achieving a major milestone in his career. This moment, celebrated widely in Japan, adds to the growing representation of Japanese athletes in American sports leagues.

Japanese Pitching Phenom Roki Sasaki Could Join Shohei Ohtani with the Dodgers

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is rumored to join the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, potentially alongside Shohei Ohtani. Sasaki, known for a perfect game and his exceptional strikeout record in Japan’s NPB, is expected to be a sought-after MLB talent, signaling continued Japanese influence in Major League Baseball​.

Olivia Rodrigo’s Grandfather Foresaw Her Stardom When She Was a Child

American pop star Olivia Rodrigo shared that her grandfather, a believer in astrology, predicted her fame from her birth chart. Now a successful musician, Rodrigo reflects on how this family legacy has shaped her journey. Her story resonates with fans who see her success as a testament to cultural pride and familial roots.

QUICK HITS

• Chinese Scientists Reverse Woman’s Diabetes with Stem Cells: Researchers at Nankai University have made a world-first breakthrough in diabetes treatment, successfully using a woman's own fat-derived stem cells to restore insulin production. Just 75 days after the procedure, the patient no longer needed insulin, marking a promising step towards a potential cure for type 1 diabetes​.

• Café Cà Phê Vandalized: Kansas City’s first Vietnamese coffee shop, Café Cà Phê, was damaged in an act of vandalism shortly after Election Day. Community members quickly rallied to support the cafe, contributing funds to cover repairs and boost security, underscoring the resilience and unity of local patrons​.

• Yifei Xu Completes Cross-U.S. Journey: Chinese cyclist Yifei Xu recently completed a coast-to-coast trip across the U.S., relying entirely on strangers for food and shelter. His journey aimed to demonstrate the inherent kindness of humanity, which he found overwhelmingly reaffirmed by the generosity of Americans across the country​

Stay informed, stay inspired. We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories that matter to the Asian and Asian American community.