A recent poll conducted by AP-NORC and AAPI Data reveals that a significant majority of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults view legal immigration as a substantial economic asset to the United States. Approximately 80% of those surveyed believe that legal immigrants contribute positively to the economy, while only 40% of AAPI adults think illegal immigrants contribute to economic growth, according to a report by the Hot Springs Sentinel [b4804941].
The poll, which took place from September 3-9, 2024, and included 1,123 respondents, also highlights that 75% of AAPI voters recognize skilled expertise in science and technology as a major benefit of legal immigration [b4804941]. Additionally, there is a strong sentiment among AAPI adults for increased border security, with nearly half prioritizing this issue alongside the need to reduce green card wait times [b4804941].
Political affiliations play a crucial role in shaping these views. Notably, 90% of AAPI Democrats regard legal immigration as beneficial, compared to 66% of AAPI Republicans who also express positive views, indicating a higher level of support than the overall Republican population, where only 30% share this sentiment [b4804941]. Furthermore, 40% of AAPI adults believe that illegal immigrants contribute to economic growth, indicating a more nuanced perspective within the community [b4804941].
Karthick Ramakrishnan, a political analyst, emphasizes the necessity of creating solutions for legal migration pathways, while Guann Su, a naturalized citizen, advocates for strict adherence to immigration rules. Aldrin Villahermosa voices concerns regarding the targeting of immigrant communities, reflecting broader apprehensions within the AAPI community about immigration policies and their implications [b4804941].
As the 2024 elections approach, immigration remains a pivotal issue, with candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris addressing these topics in their campaigns. AAPI adults tend to trust Harris slightly more than Trump on immigration matters, despite Trump's controversial claims about immigrants during his campaign [b4804941]. The findings from this poll provide valuable insights into the nuanced perspectives within the AAPI community regarding the economic role of immigration and the balance between security and support for legal pathways for immigrants [b4804941].