AAPI Poll Reveals Discontent with Immigration Policies Under Trump Administration
Recent polling data indicates that a significant majority of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults perceive President Trump’s immigration policies as more harmful than beneficial. Approximately 60% of respondents expressed concerns about the administration’s impact on immigration and border security, contrasting with around 40% of the general U.S. adult population who shared similar sentiments in an earlier poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The survey highlights a striking discontent among AAPI respondents regarding deportation efforts. Nearly two-thirds believe that the government has overreached in its attempts to deport illegal immigrants. This group’s perspective tends to lean more Democratic compared to the broader public, further illustrating their dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has enacted extensive immigration reforms, intensifying their focus in recent months. Notably, in January, the administration suspended immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 countries—a move that has sparked widespread debate. While arrests and detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have surged, the overall enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border has seen a notable decline. For instance, the average daily detainee count rose from just below 40,000 in December 2024 to approximately 70,000 last month.
This surge in enforcement actions resonates with individuals like Jeff Ugai, a resident of Kauai, who has experienced the consequences firsthand. In November, local immigration checks resulted in the arrest of nearly 40 individuals on his island, highlighting the direct impact of federal policies on communities.
The context for this survey also includes incidents of excessive force by ICE agents, such as the January shooting that resulted in the deaths of two Americans. These events have spurred greater awareness and concern among AAPI populations, fueling the perception that current immigration reforms may prioritize enforcement over humane practices.
Current data reveals a growing opposition to aggressive immigration policies within the AAPI community. A fall poll showed increased discontent with Trump’s stance compared to earlier sentiments expressed by the demographic. Notably, around 40% of AAPI adults now view the deportation of illegal immigrants as a low priority, an increase from one-third shortly after Trump assumed office.
Opinions on immigration enforcement vary significantly within the AAPI community. While some individuals, such as Fran Peace from California, advocate for deportation based on legal requirements, they also emphasize the need for compassion for long-term residents without criminal records. On the other hand, 73% of AAPI adults view ICE unfavorably, indicating a strong resistance to the agency’s tactics.
The survey, conducted between February 2 and February 9, 2026, sampled 1,197 AAPI adults and is part of a broader project aimed at understanding the attitudes of this demographic, often underrepresented in national surveys. With a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points, the findings underscore the complexity of immigration issues faced by communities that continue to shape America’s social and political landscape.
