Asian American Views on Trump’s Immigration Policies Revealed
WASHINGTON – A recent AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll indicates that a significant majority of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders believe President Donald Trump’s actions regarding immigration and border security have been detrimental during his second term. The survey reveals that approximately 60% of AAPI adults perceive that Trump has inflicted “a lot” or “some” damage in this area, a sharp contrast to about 40% of the broader U.S. population who feel the same way, according to data from an earlier Associated Press-NORC poll.
Deportation Policies Draw Widespread Criticism
The poll highlights that nearly two-thirds of AAPI adults, a demographic that tends to lean Democratic, feel that Trump’s efforts in deporting undocumented immigrants have gone “too far.” This sentiment is notably stronger than the general American populace, where only about half share the same view. Since assuming office, the Trump administration has implemented stringent immigration measures, with the past couple of months particularly tumultuous. In January, for example, the administration suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries, while detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have surged, with daily averages nearly doubling from 40,000 to about 70,000 as of December.
Public Outcry Over ICE Tactics
Incidents leading to public outcry, such as the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of ICE agents and the detention of a Hmong-American man in extreme conditions, have further fueled dissatisfaction among the AAPI community. Jeff Ugai, a resident of Kauai, recalls an immigration raid in November that resulted in nearly 40 arrests, expressing that the current administration’s tactics seem to prioritize harshness over the establishment of a fair immigration system.
Shifting Priorities on Deportation
The poll shows a growing consensus among AAPI adults that deportation should not be a high priority for the U.S. government, with four in ten now deeming it a low focus—an increase from one-third shortly after Trump took office. Simultaneously, only about 20% classify deportations as a high-priority issue. Fran Peace, a 75-year-old resident from Oroville, California, emphasizes the importance of not generalizing individuals based on stereotypes, advocating for pathways to citizenship for long-term residents without criminal histories.
Widespread Dissonance Over Immigration Enforcement
There is significant dissatisfaction with ICE among AAPI adults, with 73% expressing negative views about the agency. This discontent contrasts with AAPI Republicans, of whom one-third have a less unfavorable perception of ICE. Overall, resistance to rigid immigration policies is prevalent; 60% oppose large-scale enforcement actions in immigrant-heavy areas, and 70% disapprove of allowing officers to wear face coverings during arrests. Ugai notes that prohibiting face coverings, akin to mandating body cameras, could enhance accountability.
Diverse Perceptions on Illegal Immigration
The survey reveals differing opinions on the implications of illegal immigration, particularly concerning its impact on U.S. workers and social services. About 40% of AAPI adults view illegal immigrants as a substantial risk to welfare programs, while another 40% perceive it as a minor risk, leaving only a quarter to assert there is no risk at all. Furthermore, regarding crime, around one-third of AAPI respondents consider illegal immigration a major threat, while nearly half see it as a minor concern.
Reactions Reflect a Broader Divide
While some hold President Trump accountable for issues like drug trafficking, others, like Daniel Kim of Las Cruces, New Mexico, argue that immigrants do not pose significant crime risks. Kim, a Democrat and former volunteer for refugee aid, has distanced himself from his church due to its political neutrality regarding immigration issues, expressing concern over the treatment of foreigners in America.
The poll, conducted from February 2-9, 2026, surveyed 1,197 American adults identifying as Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. This sampling reflects the views of a demographic that is often underrepresented in larger surveys. The margin of error for this poll is plus or minus 4.6 percentage points, contributing to ongoing research into the sentiments of this growing community.
