WASHINGTON (AP) — According to a recent poll conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, nearly 70% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults across the U.S. disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration policies, up significantly from 58% just six months earlier.

The poll indicates that Trump’s aggressive enforcement measures, including deportations and immigration crackdowns, have led to these communities expressing serious concerns about the administration's approach. Many AAPI adults characterize his tactics as punitive, especially in light of recent high-profile arrests in areas like Chicago, where over 1,000 immigrants have been detained in a month.

Data reveals that even among AAPI adults who typically lean conservative, dissatisfaction is prevalent. Joie Meyer, a 25-year-old Miami resident from China, shared her fears about the potential loss of citizenship due to “technicalities.”

Additionally, the survey highlights that approximately two-thirds of AAPI participants feel Trump has “gone too far” with deportations of undocumented immigrants, contrasting starkly with a majority of white respondents who do not share the same level of concern.

Among the tactics being criticized, around 60% of AAPI adults oppose using military or National Guard troops for immigration enforcement, with many expressing anxiety about the environments created by these policies.

Further analysis shows that while foreign-born AAPI adults often support deportation of immigrants charged with crimes, American-born AAPI adults display significantly less support. This suggests a divide in perceptions based on background and personal experiences with immigration.

Voices like Michael Ida, a 56-year-old resident of Honolulu, highlight concerns about justice and mercy in immigration enforcement, drawing parallels to historical injustices such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

This comprehensive poll of 1,027 AAPI adults took place between September 2-9, 2025, reflecting a population that is increasingly wary of the current administration's handling of immigration issues and supportive of a more compassionate approach.