WASHINGTON (RTWNews) — Recent data indicates that a majority of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) feel that President Donald Trump has been detrimental to immigration and border security during his second term. AAPIs, a demographic generally inclined toward the Democratic Party, show discontent over the administration’s stringent immigration policies, according to a new AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll.
Approximately 60% of AAPI adults reported that the Trump administration has negatively impacted immigration and border security, contrasted with about 40% of the overall U.S. adult population sharing the same sentiment. Troublingly, two-thirds of AAPI respondents believe Trump has overstepped his boundaries with deportations, a perspective that aligns with the broader trend of dissatisfaction regarding current immigration enforcement practices.
The past months have seen significant shifts in immigration policies under Trump’s administration, particularly with the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries. While apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border have seen a decline, ICE arrests and detentions have skyrocketed, stirring fears of increased enforcement levels among AAPI communities. In December 2024, daily detentions reached alarming figures, exceeding 70,000—marking a stark contrast to earlier rates.
The survey arrived at a tense time, following reports of lethal ICE operations and high-profile detainments, amplifying local concerns in immigrant-heavy regions. Jeff Ugai, a 39-year-old Hawaiian resident, indicated that such crackdowns are marked more by cruelty than by constructive immigration reforms. “It seems like the current administration’s efforts have been more about cruelty than establishing a sensible immigration system,” he noted.
The survey probing AAPI perspectives revealed that a significant portion (around 40%) believe deportations should take a low priority in U.S. immigration policy. Nonetheless, challenges remain, as some respondents contend with the perception of immigrants as burdens on social services, with 40% acknowledging concerns over welfare impact.
Fran Peace, a 75-year-old retiree from California, represents the split views within her demographic. While she acknowledges a need for robust immigration measures, she also advocates for a more nuanced approach to longtime residents who’ve not committed crimes.
With 73% of AAPI adults possessing an unfavorable view of ICE, the call for accountability within immigration enforcement is becoming clearer. Many citizens are increasingly vocal against extensive immigration actions taking place in their neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for a more humane approach to safety and community.
The poll, conducted with a sample size of 1,197 AAPI adults from February 2-9, 2026, sheds light on the broader implications of immigration policies on these communities, emphasizing the need for justice and comprehensive reform in the immigration system.
