WASHINGTON (AP) — A poll from AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that 70% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of immigration, marking a notable shift from 58% just months prior. The findings underscore increasing concern over Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement strategies, especially considering the heightened deportations occurring across the nation.
As federal immigration agents ramp up their operations, particularly in cities like Chicago where over 1,000 arrests have been made recently, AAPI individuals express significant opposition to such aggressive tactics. The survey suggests that a majority believe the president has overstepped in his efforts to deport immigrants living illegally in the U.S.
The sentiment is particularly strong among those who were born in America, many of whom worry about the potential ramifications of strict immigration measures. Joie Meyer, a 25-year-old from Miami, highlights a fear stemming from Trump's policies, stating, If I was at risk of being stripped away from my home... that’s just heartbreaking. This reflects a broader anxiety among AAPI adults regarding their identity and status in the U.S.
Increasing Opposition to Trump's Enforcement Measures
Two-thirds of AAPI adults feel Trump has gone too far regarding deportations, in contrast to 60% of Black and Hispanic adults. This growing disapproval indicates a potential shift in public sentiment among AAPI voters, who have traditionally been viewed as more conservative on immigration issues.
Peter Lee, a 38-year-old resident of Tacoma, Washington, criticizes Trump's aim for deportation numbers, asserting, There doesn’t seem to be a clear game plan... his directives come from just gut, not fact-based. This aligns with the poll's findings that AAPI individuals are particularly uneasy with strategies such as military involvement and large-scale raids.
Dissent within the AAPI Community
Interestingly, the poll reveals that among foreign-born AAPIs, there is a division in perspective, with some supporting Trump’s policies aimed at deporting those committed of misdemeanors. Tyrone Tai, a 65-year-old Jamaican immigrant, noted he believes the president has not gone far enough in enforcing immigration laws.
On the other hand, many American-born AAPI adults perceive Trump’s tactics as punitive, emphasizing the moral implications of treating immigrants in such a harsh manner. Michael Ida, a 56-year-old Honolulu resident, expressed discomfort over ICE tactics, feeling a strong moral pull towards compassion for those in precarious situations. He stated, “We should err on the side of mercy.”
Concerns about Historical Precedents
Some AAPI individuals draw parallels between current enforcement tactics and the historical internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Ida cites this history as a cautionary tale against the harsh treatment of marginalized communities.
The survey, conducted in early September 2025 among 1,027 AAPI adults, underscores internal divisions and growing anxieties tied to immigration policy under the Trump administration. The margin of error for the poll is ±5.0 percentage points, reflecting a wide range of sentiments among a diversity of AAPI experiences.
