AAPI Poll Reveals Trump’s Immigration Policies Face Significant Opposition

Mon Mar 23 2026 20:40:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A recent AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll indicates that a majority of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) believe President Trump’s immigration policies have been detrimental. The survey highlights strong discontent with deportation practices and immigration enforcement operations.

According to a new AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll, around 60% of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders feel that President Trump's immigration policies have caused more harm than good, particularly regarding deportations and border security measures. A significant portion of AAPI adults expresses disapproval of current immigration enforcement tactics, with more than half opposing large-scale operations in immigrant-populated neighborhoods. The survey illustrates a growing division within the community concerning issues of illegal immigration and its effects on the workforce and welfare systems.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent poll conducted by AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that a notable majority of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) disapprove of President Trump’s immigration policies. Approximately 60% of AAPI adults feel that his administration has negatively impacted immigration and border security.

The survey showcased that about two-thirds of AAPI adults think Trump has over-reached in his deportation efforts, contrasting with around 40% of the general U.S. adult population sharing similar sentiments. This divergence highlights the specific concerns within the AAPI community regarding the administration's immigration stance.

During his second term, Trump’s administration has implemented stringent immigration measures including the suspension of processing immigrant visas for citizens from 75 countries. While arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border have decreased, the number of deportations has sharply increased, significantly impacting the AAPI community.

A recent event that's stirred further disapproval was the fatal shootings by ICE agents and high-profile detentions involving U.S. citizens which have focused public attention on immigration enforcement tactics.

Participants in the survey expressed that Trump's immigration policies often seem more punitive than constructive. Jeff Ugai, a Hawaiian resident, cited the administration's approach as more focused on cruelty than on creating a sensible immigration system.

Concerns Over Deportations

Many respondents, including those from differing political backgrounds, indicated they oppose aggressive deportation strategies. For instance, Fran Peace, a 75-year-old retiree, acknowledges the need for some deportations but emphasizes the importance of a pathway to citizenship for long-term residents without criminal backgrounds.

Views on Immigration Enforcement

The sentiment towards ICE is predominantly negative among AAPI adults, with 73% expressing unfavorable opinions towards the agency. Furthermore, a substantial majority oppose policies that could lead to racial profiling, such as allowing agents to cover their faces during arrests. This indicates a broader desire for accountability in immigration enforcement.

Divided Opinions on Illegal Immigration

The AAPI community is split regarding the impacts of illegal immigration on social welfare and crime rates. Opinions vary significantly on whether undocumented immigrants should be considered a burden on public resources, showcasing the complex dynamics within this demographic.

The poll resonates with the growing demand for a humane approach to immigration that balances border security with empathy for individuals seeking better lives. The AAPI voices, often overlooked in broader immigration discussions, urge a reevaluation of current policies to ensure they reflect the community's values.

This poll was conducted between February 2-9, 2026, with a sample size of 1,197 AAPI adults, containing a margin of error of ±4.6 percentage points, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive reforms in U.S. immigration policy.