In brief
A new poll shows that approximately 70% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults disapprove of President Trump's immigration policies, up from 58% earlier this year. The majority of the surveyed group believes the administration has gone too far in enforcing deportations and utilizes unpopular tactics such as military involvement. This growing discontent reflects a shift in perception towards immigration enforcement within these communities, particularly among those born outside the U.S.
WASHINGTON (PulseWire) — A recent study by AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center has revealed that 70% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults disapprove of President Donald Trump's approach to immigration, a significant increase from 58% in March.
The poll indicates a growing dissatisfaction with Trump's immigration enforcement strategies and tactics, including the use of military resources for deportations, which many believe have exceeded reasonable limits.
As federal immigration agencies ramp up operations in cities like Chicago, where over 1,000 immigrants have been arrested recently, concern within the AAPI community has intensified. Participants in the poll expressed widespread opposition to such aggressive measures, emphasizing a fear of punitive actions against individuals and families.
Notably, even among foreign-born AAPI respondents, who typically lean more conservative, there is a strong disapproval of the immigrant deportations that have characterized Trump's first months in office. Many are alarmed by the potential threats to their own status in the U.S. and the perceived harshness of current policies.
Joie Meyer, a 25-year-old Chinese American, reflected on her concerns regarding lost citizenship, questioning the implications of Trump's policies on her identity. Similarly, others within the community fear the impact of such policies not only on the present but also as a grim reminder of historical injustices against Asian Americans.
The poll suggests a significant divide between American-born and foreign-born AAPI adults regarding immigration policy support. While many American-born individuals disapprove of Trump's methods, a smaller majority of foreign-born counterparts show some levels of approval, indicating variations in perspectives based on individual immigrant experiences.
Serious opposition to specific administration tactics is also notable — around 60% oppose the use of military or National Guard for arrests, reflecting a strong desire for comprehensive and humane immigration reforms. By expressing their views, AAPI adults are taking a stand on a pivotal issue that consistently affects their communities.
