- Only 20% of AAPI adults under 30 support mass deportations vs 51% aged 60+
- 90% of older AAPI adults favor deporting immigrants with violent crime convictions
- 33% support ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented parents
- Younger adults oppose family separations 2:1 compared to seniors
- Poll samples 1,182 AAPI adults across 5 languages
New data from AAPI Data and AP-NORC exposes deepening generational fractures within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities regarding U.S. immigration policies. The survey conducted in March 2025 reveals older AAPI adults – many foreign-born themselves – take notably stricter positions than their younger counterparts on border security measures.
California’s Torrance region exemplifies this trend, home to older conservatives like Japanese American Mike Nakawatase. Legal compliance matters most,argues the 62-year-old retiree, praising Trump-era deportation protocols. His stance contrasts sharply with Florida student Cecil Wuggle, a 20-year-old daughter of Chinese immigrants who fears family separation policies create irreparable emotional damage.
The divide extends to constitutional debates, with 33% of AAPI adults supporting birthright citizenship restrictions – higher than national averages. Legal analysts note this mirrors growing concerns about resource allocation, though 21% remain undecided. Migration narratives shift across generations,explains UC Berkeley researcher Karthick Ramakrishnan. Many seniors view their immigration journey as completed, while youth engage with ongoing systemic inequities.
Regional differences further complicate policy positions. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, younger AAPI professionals advocate for rehabilitation-focused approaches, emphasizing that 40% oppose deportations for nonviolent offenses. Meanwhile, traditional enclaves like Honolulu’s Filipino communities show stronger alignment with older respondents’ enforcement priorities.
With 47% of AAPI seniors approving Trump’s immigration methods versus 31% of younger adults, political strategists predict campaign messaging challenges. The data suggests parties must address nuanced concerns: older voters prioritize rule-of-law frameworks, while youth demand procedural fairness in deportation cases.
Industry experts highlight three underreported factors shaping these trends: 1) Post-pandemic labor shortages increasing tolerance for undocumented workers in agriculture sectors 2) Rising hate crime rates hardening security attitudes among elders 3) TikTok activism normalizing progressive immigration stances among Gen Z AAPI users.
As Supreme Court battles loom over birthright citizenship, community leaders warn against monolithic portrayals. We’re negotiating dual identities,says Phoenix organizer Linda Tran. Our policy views reflect both ancestral migration trauma and American civic education.