Majority of AAPI Community Discontent with Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies
Recent polling from AAPI Data and the AP-NORC reveals that a significant portion of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) view President Donald Trump’s actions regarding immigration and border security as largely detrimental during his second term. Approximately 60% of AAPI adults indicate that Trump has caused considerable harm, surpassing the 40% figure reported in a January AP-NORC survey of the general U.S. population. Notably, about two-thirds of AAPI respondents believe that Trump has overreached in his efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, in contrast to roughly half of all Americans who share this sentiment.
Recent Immigration Actions Draw Criticism
Since taking office, the Trump administration has implemented stringent immigration policies, with the last two months being particularly tumultuous. In January, the administration halted immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries. While arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border have seen a significant decline, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has experienced a dramatic increase in detentions. Daily detentions rose from an average of nearly 40,000 at the end of 2024 to around 70,000 as of last month.
Public Outcry Following Tragic Incidents
The increasing scrutiny surrounding ICE’s actions follows the shooting death of two American citizens by agents and the controversial detention of a Hmong-American man in extreme cold conditions. These events have amplified calls for accountability and reform within the agency.
Local Experiences Reflect Broader Trends
Residents like Jeff Ugai of Kauai, Hawaii, have personal connections to the immigration challenges facing their communities. Last November, nearly 40 individuals were arrested in a local immigration raid, further heightening tensions. Ugai expresses frustration with the administration’s approach, describing it as more traumatic than constructive in addressing immigration issues.
Divergence in Public Opinion on Immigration Enforcement
Data indicates that dissatisfaction with Trump’s immigration strategies has intensified among AAPI adults since the beginning of the year. Karthik Ramakrishnan, the founder of AAPI Data, notes that even policies that do not involve overt violence—such as country-specific immigration bans—are facing significant opposition. The poll reveals that around 40% of AAPI adults consider the deportation of undocumented immigrants a low priority for the government, reflecting a shift in perspectives as Trump’s administration continues its clampdown on immigration.
Mixed Views on Immigration and Crime
Opinions within the AAPI community are varied regarding the impact of illegal immigration on social welfare and crime. Approximately 40% believe illegal immigrants pose a significant risk to welfare programs, while a similar proportion views this as only a minor concern. Additionally, around one-third see illegal immigrants as a major threat to public safety, contrasted by half of respondents who classify it as a minor risk.
Insights from AAPI Seniors
Frances Peace, a 75-year-old from Oroville, California, still views the deportation of undocumented immigrants as crucial but cautions against judging individuals based on stereotypes. She advocates for creating pathways to citizenship for those who have lived in the U.S. for extended periods without legal issues. In her perspective, concessions should be made for long-term residents who contribute positively to society.
Poll Details and Broader Implications
The AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll, conducted between February 2-9, 2026, surveyed 1,197 American adults from the AAPI community, guaranteeing a representative sample through the NORC’s Amplify AAPI Panel. The margin of sampling error stands at ±4.6 percentage points. This ongoing research project aims to illuminate the perspectives of AAPI populations, who are often overlooked in other polling endeavors due to their relatively small numbers and language variations.
