Poll numbers can feel abstract until you think about a neighbor worried about a family member’s paperwork. A new AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll says about 7 in 10 AAPI adults now disapprove of the president’s handling of immigration, up from 58% in March. One respondent put it simply: the approach feels “punitive,” and “that’s just heartbreaking.” What’s behind the shift? 

Enforcement images became personal

The poll landed after highly visible operations in Chicago and elsewhere. Videos of masked officers and large workplace arrests bothered many respondents. Even people who support strong borders said tactics matter. When enforcement looks sweeping or unpredictable, fear spreads to mixed-status families and even to citizens worried about mistakes. 

Differences inside the AAPI community

The survey suggests foreign-born AAPI adults—often older and more conservative—are likelier than U.S.-born peers to support tougher measures and to link immigration with crime. But even among the foreign-born, overall approval on immigration remains low. That split matters for campaigns, local outreach, and service providers trying to meet people where they are. 

Policy vs. delivery

Many Americans tell pollsters they want orderly systems and fast decisions. The frustration comes when delivery feels chaotic—raids at dawn, long lines at offices, or sudden rule changes. The poll’s message: processes should be clear, humane, and predictable. Otherwise, trust erodes—especially in communities with many mixed-status households. 

What changes could rebuild trust?

• Clearer public criteria for enforcement priorities (who is targeted first, and why).
• Better notice and community coordination to avoid sweeping up bystanders.
• Faster, transparent case processing so people aren’t left in limbo.

Why it matters for 2026 politics

AAPI communities are growing fast in key states. If disapproval on immigration hardens, it could shift turnout and local races. Campaigns that mix border security with careful, community-minded delivery may find more traction than all-or-nothing rhetoric. For families, the stakes are immediate—jobs, schools, rent, and the feeling of safety while going about daily life.