WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — A new poll shows Asian American and Pacific Islander adults hold sharper criticism of President Donald Trump and his immigration policies than the general U.S. population. The survey also shows similar economic concerns across both groups, with cost-of-living pressures affecting most households. The poll comes from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and AAPI Data. Researchers surveyed 1,197 adults in early February 2026.

The findings highlight a clear divide on immigration enforcement. About 73% of Asian American and Pacific Islander adults hold an unfavorable view of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That compares with 60% of the general population. Karthick Ramakrishnan said these views reflect broader concerns within AAPI communities. He noted that many worry about how enforcement actions affect families and neighborhoods.

Political identity plays a role, but differences remain within parties. About 61% of AAPI Republicans view ICE positively, compared with 71% of Republicans overall. Among Democrats, about 9 in 10 across both groups view the agency negatively. Overall, 61% of AAPI adults say Trump’s policies hurt immigration and border security. About 67% believe deportation efforts have gone too far. Many also oppose tactics such as large-scale workplace sweeps and arrests.

Despite concerns about enforcement, many AAPI adults see immigration benefits. A majority say immigration helps economic growth and brings skilled workers to U.S. companies. Many also say immigrants fill jobs that Americans do not want.

Some respondents also see economic benefits from undocumented immigration. About 58% say it helps fill unwanted jobs, while 54% say it supports economic growth. At the same time, some express concern about risks. About half cite pressure on public programs or job competition as minor risks. Concerns about crime and illegal voting exist but remain lower than in the general population.

The poll shows AAPI adults place less urgency on strict enforcement measures. Only 22% say deporting undocumented immigrants should be a high priority. More than 40% say it should be a lower priority. About 31% say increasing security at the U.S.-Mexico border should be a high priority. That is lower than the general population and lower than last year’s results.

Views shift when crime is involved. About 66% say deporting visa overstayers who commit crimes should be a high priority. Fewer support broad bans or deportations tied to family status.

While views on immigration differ, economic concerns appear similar across groups. Many AAPI adults report stable finances, but they still face rising costs.

About 64% say they are holding steady financially. However, many struggle with high prices. Half say housing, health care, and groceries are major stress points. Jennifer Benz said cost pressures remain a key issue. She noted that many households feel stable but lack confidence in long-term financial security. Only about one-quarter of respondents feel very confident they can cover expenses or handle unexpected costs. Confidence in retirement savings and job opportunities remains even lower.

The poll also shows strong negative views of Trump among AAPI adults. About 72% view him unfavorably. Many also express negative opinions of key figures such as J.D. Vance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Marco Rubio.

About 68% hold an unfavorable view of the Republican Party. Views of the Democratic Party are more divided, with roughly equal shares expressing favorable and unfavorable opinions. Most respondents also say Trump’s economic policies did not help them. About 73% say his policies worsened the cost of living. Many also say health care costs and job creation suffered. About 76% believe tariffs went too far.

The poll paints a complex picture of AAPI attitudes. Many respondents see value in immigration but oppose aggressive enforcement policies. At the same time, they face the same economic pressures as other Americans.