Poll reveals how AAPI adults are being affected by Trump's immigration crackdown

Heightened immigration policies under the Trump administration have caused significant upheaval for many Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults, with about half reporting they or someone they know has faced detention, deportation, or disruptions to their lives, according to a new poll.

The survey, conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, found that a majority of AAPI adults, approximately 6 in 10, believe the U.S. has shifted from being a welcoming country for immigrants to one that is no longer the land of opportunity. Only about 30% of AAPI adults still view America as a great place for immigrants.

These findings emerge after more than a year of intensified immigration enforcement. The poll suggests that the administration's stringent approach, which has led to protests and clashes with enforcement officers, may be reshaping the perception of the U.S. among some immigrant communities. Even individuals with legal status report feeling the impact, with some policies facing legal challenges. One individual, who immigrated from Vietnam, expressed concern after seeing social media posts emphasizing the need for legal immigrants to carry documentation, a step he hadn't previously considered essential for his wife, who is also a legal resident.

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America's success story has depended critically on the role of Asian Americans, but also immigrants in general. When you have people who are already in this country, have been here for decades saying, 'I'm not really sure that this is the best country anymore,' that's a warning sign.