A growing share of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults believe the United States has become less welcoming to immigrants, as tougher immigration policies reshape daily life for many families, according to a new AP-NORC and AAPI Data survey.
The poll reflected the impact of heightened immigration enforcement and changing public attitudes toward immigrants, with many respondents reporting that they or people they know have altered their daily lives because of concerns related to immigration status.
According to the survey, 51 percent of AAPI adults said they or someone they know experienced at least one immigration-related disruption over the past year. These experiences included carrying documentation proving immigration status or citizenship, changing travel plans, significantly altering daily routines, or facing detention or deportation.
South Asians, in particular are finding it tough — a data insight finds “carrying proof of immigration or citizenship status is at 41 percent for AAPIs, and is highest among South Asians (53%).”
The survey found that younger AAPI adults were particularly likely to report such experiences.
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Respondents under age 30 were significantly more likely than those 60 and older to say they or someone they know had changed travel plans, altered daily routines, or faced detention or deportation because of immigration status concerns. South Asian respondents were also more likely than East Asian respondents to report carrying proof of immigration status or U.S. citizenship.
The findings come amid intensified immigration enforcement efforts, visa restrictions, and broader debates over immigration policy. Asian Americans have long faced the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, a perception that many advocates say becomes more pronounced during periods of heightened immigration scrutiny and geopolitical tensions.
The survey also found widespread concern about America’s standing as a destination for immigrants. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 64 percent, said the United States used to be a great place for immigrants but is not anymore. About 30 percent said it remains a great place for immigrants.
Despite these concerns, AAPI adults continue to express strong support for foundational American ideals. Four in five respondents cited the American Dream as a cornerstone of American identity, and 79 percent said democratic governance is equally central to the nation’s character. Nearly three-quarters, 73 percent, said the blending of global cultures and values is an important part of what defines the United States.
“AAPI adults value core elements of American identity like the American Dream, democratically elected government, and cultural diversity,” said Jennifer Benz, director of The AP-NORC Center. “But politics is cited more than any other factor as the cause of what divides the country.”
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With roughly two-thirds of AAPI adults born outside the United States, many respondents viewed democratic governance, cultural diversity, and opportunities for newcomers as defining characteristics of the country. Compared with the general population, AAPI adults were more likely to view a democratically elected government, cultural diversity, and the ability of people to come to the United States seeking opportunity or refuge as core elements of national identity.
About six in ten respondents said a shared American culture is important to the country’s national identity, while roughly half cited capitalism and a free-market economy as important defining features. At the same time, relatively few respondents associated American identity with early European immigrant traditions or Christian ideals. Only about two in ten AAPI adults considered those factors central to the nation’s identity, a significantly lower share than in the general population.
The survey also found strong support for preserving cultural traditions within immigrant communities. Fifty-eight percent of respondents said it is extremely or very important for immigrants living in the United States to maintain their culture and traditions. About 54 percent said speaking English fluently is highly important, while nearly half placed similar importance on maintaining the language spoken at home and successfully blending into American society.
“These findings suggest that many AAPI adults see the United States as having moved away from its decades-long reputation as a place as a beacon for immigrants,” according to Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data. “Nevertheless, most AAPIs still see cultural diversity as essential to American identity, and view maintenance of their culture and traditions as a high priority.”
Questions of ancestry and heritage remain deeply important to many AAPI adults. More than half said their family’s ancestry or country of origin is a major part of their identity, while a similar share cited race or ethnicity as extremely or very important. These figures exceed those recorded among the general public.
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Family emerged as the strongest source of identity overall, with eight in ten respondents describing it as extremely or very important. Factors such as career, gender, race, ethnicity, and ancestry also ranked highly, while fewer respondents placed similar importance on religion, political affiliation, or simply being American.
Political differences surfaced throughout the findings. AAPI Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say being American and religious identity were important parts of who they are. Democrats, meanwhile, were more likely to emphasize family ancestry and country of origin.
The poll also revealed a nuanced view of the country’s standing in the world. Most AAPI adults agreed that the United States remains one of the greatest countries globally. While opinions varied on how it compares with other nations. Half said America is among the world’s greatest countries, one in five viewed it as superior to all others, and roughly one-third believed some countries perform better in important respects.
The nationwide survey was conducted from April 20 to April 28 through the Amplify AAPI Monthly survey, which draws from NORC’s nationally representative Amplify AAPI Panel. The survey was conducted among 1,075 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults across the United States. Interviews were administered in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean, and the results carry a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.