Affirmative action

I heard somewhere that it is easier to get into prestigious colleges if you are African American, and harder if you are Asian, and it is called affirmative action. Does this actually happen?

For context I am Indian, and I wanna go to UCLA or USCD so will this affect me?

Affirmative action discussion is only allowed on one thread.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1843141-race-in-college-applications-faq-discussion-12.html#latest

Ask your question there. Closing thread.