In brief
The latest survey shows that around 70% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults disapprove of President Trump's immigration stances, a notable increase since earlier this year. The poll highlights widespread concerns over harsh immigration measures and the use of military tactics in deportations. Even among more conservative foreign-born AAPI adults, discontent is growing, suggesting a shift in perceptions regarding Trump's immigration policies. The poll reflects a diverse community deeply affected by immigration enforcement strategies, only heightening anxiety and skepticism toward the administration's actions.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Following months of stringent immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, a new poll indicates that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults are increasingly discontented with the president’s immigration strategies. The AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll reveals that approximately 70% of AAPI adults nationwide disapprove of Trump’s approach, a significant rise from 58% just a few months ago. The survey further highlights that a majority of these respondents believe Trump has exceeded his authority in deporting immigrants residing in the U.S. illegally, opposing tactics such as deploying military and National Guard for enforcement operations.This discontent emerges amidst a reported increase in federal immigration crackdowns, especially in areas like Chicago, where more than 1,000 immigrants have faced arrest since the start of a heightened crackdown. This escalating enforcement appears to be poorly received across the AAPI community, a demographic that includes many individuals born outside the U.S. Even those who are foreign-born, typically more conservative, show majority disapproval of the president's actions regarding immigration policy.The poll, conducted from September 2-9, 2025, among 1,027 AAPI adults, displays a growing concern over the intersection of immigration policy and personal safety. Many AAPI residents express that the government's approach risks jeopardizing their citizenship and family stability.Among the various comments collected, Joie Meyer, a 25-year-old Miami resident born in China, remarked on the frightening prospect of losing her citizenship due to technicalities created by harsh immigration laws, describing such measures as punitive.The poll paints a broader picture of disapproval, with approximately two-thirds of AAPI adults believing Trump has 'gone too far' concerning deportations. This viewpoint starkly contrasts with findings among white adults, where fewer than half think the president has exceeded his limits. The polling suggests that AAPI adults have a unique perspective shaped by the immediate realities of immigration enforcement, pointing to a potential shift in political support as these issues continue to develop.
