Donald Trump's remarks spark outrage in Asian American communities

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Big statements from Donald Trump resonated with supporters Thursday in Greenville, South Carolina, but in local Asian American communities, his bold comments were not welcome.

During his speech, he drew a link between Asians and theft, then followed the statement up with another remark Asian Americans consider offensive. He gave audiences his rendition of how a Chinese trade negotiator talks.

"I don't like him because he doesn't like so many people," said Khine Wai, an immigrant from Myanmar.

She also heard about the term "anchor baby" used by Republican candidate Jeb Bush, who earlier this week reacted to an outcry from Latino voters.

To restore support, he said he had been talking about a specific case of immigration fraud committed by Asians.

Michael Eng has held multiple public offices, and he urges Trump to tread carefully.

"I think that Donald Trump will do anything to get a headline and making fun of immigrants, making fun of women will do that," said Eng, a member of the community college board.

Leaders worry that that Trump supporters will embrace racial stereotypes of Asian Americans and fail to appreciate them as American citizens who have made significant contributions to the U.S.

"We feel that we are part of the American system, that we fully embrace democracy and democratic participation. But it really hurts to feel that our fellow Americans don't see us that way and see us as a foreign threat or just not American enough," said Karin Wang with Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

The legal advocacy group takes no political position, but it closely tracks voter participation. It's 2012 report says Asian Americans are the fastest growing segment of the electorate. They make 10 percent, or 1.8 million, of the registered voters in California. In a close election involving ballot initiatives, Wang said they could provide the swing vote.