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The View of AAPI Adults on Immigration in the U.S.
Immigration: Asset or Liability?
In a recent poll conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, it was found that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults generally view legal immigration positively. An impressive 8 in 10 AAPI adults consider legal immigration a "major benefit" to the U.S. economy, contrasting sharply with the roughly 4 in 10 Americans overall who share this sentiment.
Despite this enthusiasm for legal immigration, AAPI adults, similar to other Americans, express apprehension about illegal immigration. They attribute economic contributions and skilled expertise primarily to those who immigrate legally. About one-third of AAPI adults, in harmony with the general populace, recognize undocumented immigrants as contributing significantly to the country’s growth.
Immigration in the Political Arena
As political campaigns heat up, former President Donald Trump is keen on highlighting immigration issues in the upcoming election. Recently, he notoriously falsified claims regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s expenditure’s impact on Hurricane Helene survivors. Such rhetoric often leads to misinformation and undue tension within immigrant communities.
For instance, Guann Su, a resident of Freeport, New York, and a naturalized citizen, values doing things by the book. He believes adhering to rules is paramount to maintain order, distinctly opposing illegal immigration. Sharing this belief, Sophia Cole from St. Louis acknowledges the hard work and resilience that legal immigrants offer.
Legal vs Illegal: A Diverse Spectrum of Opinions
Poll data suggests that immigrant experiences influence views significantly. While legal immigration garners widespread praise, the views on illegal immigration are more varied. Aldrin Villahermosa, from Tacoma, Washington, refutes the claims against undocumented immigrants, asserting their crucial roles, like his friend who is a low-paid teacher yet significantly contributes to societal growth.
Interestingly, AAPI adults, irrespective of political affiliation, exhibit variations in their stance towards legal immigration’s economic merits. A whopping 9 in 10 AAPI Democrats see it as beneficial, indicating a higher appreciation than about 6 in 10 Democrats nationwide. Similarly, two-thirds of Republican AAPI adults recognize these benefits, surpassing the general Republican sentiment.
Policy Considerations and Responsibilities
The debate around immigration extends to policy priorities. Almost half of the AAPI respondents support tightening border controls and expediting green card processes. Such dual approaches underscore their interest in pragmatic solutions that address both border security and lawful immigration channels. Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data, interprets these views as a call for balanced immigration strategies that manage both legal pathways and border challenges.
The Bigger Picture
Notably, while many trust Vice President Kamala Harris on immigration issues, Su leans towards Trump, criticizing the current administration’s pace on tackling illegal immigration. Villahermosa places blame on Congress, believing their allocation choices significantly impact immigration policy effectiveness.
In summary, while the AAPI community recognises the advantages of legal immigration, views on illegal immigration remain polarised. Such discourse reflects broader American attitudes while highlighting the need for comprehensive policies respecting both economic necessities and human aspects of migration.
This poll involved 1,123 U.S. adults of AAPI descent, conducted with great rigour over a period from 3rd to 9th September 2024. It provides a snapshot of the nuanced perspectives of these communities on the multifaceted subject of immigration.
