Recent findings highlight significant generational differences among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders regarding the U.S. approach to mass deportations. A new survey conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that only 20% of AAPI adults under 30 support deporting all immigrants residing illegally in the country. In stark contrast, just over 50% of those aged 60 and older endorse such measures. This divide is more pronounced within AAPI communities compared to the general public, with younger AAPI adults showing less support for a hardline stance than their peers in the broader population, and older AAPI adults demonstrating slightly more support for mass deportations than older Americans in general.
Against the backdrop of a politically charged year focused on immigration rhetoric, many within Asian American communities express concerns about the country’s capacity to allocate resources to undocumented individuals. Contrary to expectations, older AAPI adults, many of whom are immigrants themselves, exhibit less empathy towards those in the country illegally. This counterintuitive stance suggests that younger, native-born AAPI adults are more inclined towards a lenient approach to immigration issues.
The ongoing project aims to shed light on the perspectives of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, often underrepresented in surveys due to small sample sizes and language barriers. Findings indicate that younger AAPI adults prioritize mass deportations less than their older counterparts. A February AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll showed that a mere 15% of AAPI adults under 30 consider deporting illegal immigrants a high priority for the federal government, compared to approximately 40% of those 60 and older.
Older AAPI adults favor a stricter stance on immigrants with illegal status, especially those with criminal backgrounds. An overwhelming majority, around 90%, support deporting those convicted of violent crimes, while about 70% agree with deporting individuals guilty of nonviolent offenses like shoplifting or burglary. Among them, Mike Nakawatase, a 62-year-old Republican from Torrance, California, emphasizes the importance of deporting illegal immigrants with criminal records, aligning with President Donald Trump’s firm policies on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Conversely, younger AAPI adults exhibit more hesitation about mass deportations, even for individuals with criminal histories. Only about two-thirds support deportation for those involved in violent crimes, and roughly 40% agree with deporting individuals for nonviolent crimes. Cecil Wuggle, a 20-year-old student in West Palm Beach, Florida, argues for fair trials before automatic deportations, believing in the possibility of reform.
Immigration remains a strong point for President Trump. A recent AP-NORC survey indicates approximately half of U.S. adults approve of his immigration policies, resonating with older AAPI adults. However, only about 30% of AAPI adults under 30 view Trump’s immigration strategies favorably. Notably, only 20% support deporting illegal immigrants if it involves separating them from their U.S.-born children, while older AAPI adults are twice as likely to back this approach.
Wuggle, whose family immigrated from China, opposes family separation due to potential long-term emotional harm to children. As immigration policy debates continue, the Trump administration recently sought the U.S. Supreme Court’s approval for restrictions on birthright citizenship, which currently faces legal challenges. While one-third of AAPI adults support ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented parents, only a quarter favor its cessation for children of parents on temporary visas. A significant portion, around 20%, remain undecided.
Nakawatase expresses ambivalence about denying citizenship to children of undocumented parents but is more open to granting it if parents hold temporary work or student visas.
The Societal Shift
- Generational divides in AAPI communities could influence future immigration policies, shifting perspectives on resource allocation.
- Younger AAPI adults’ leniency towards immigration may contribute to broader societal acceptance and integration of immigrant communities.
- Increased dialogue and representation in surveys could lead to more nuanced immigration policies respecting diverse opinions.
- Family dynamics may be affected by varying views on deportation and citizenship within AAPI households.
- Understanding these generational differences could enhance political strategies and community engagement efforts tailored to AAPI populations.