With just weeks to go before the pivotal 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, immigration and border security have emerged as hot-button topics, particularly among voters of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent. A new ap-norc survey reveals important insights about how this demographic perceives the immigration debate and the candidates' stances. For many, the outcome of this election could have far-reaching effects not just on immigration, but also on the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy.
According to the survey, 72% of AAPI adults feel the election results will significantly impact immigration policies. This sentiment isn't just isolated to AAPI voters; broader public sentiment reflects similar views, emphasizing the importance of immigration as part of the national discussion. Interestingly, AAPI voters are education-focused and increasingly vocal about their perspectives on such issues. Many of them worry about the legal and illegal immigration narratives being shaped by the candidates and the political parties, with their opinions swayed by the policies and proposals on the table.
Comparing the two major candidates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump—offers insight. Harris holds the trust of 42% of AAPI adults concerning immigration, whereas Trump trails slightly behind at 35%. Yet, when it gets down to the nitty-gritty of their policies, the differences between Harris and Trump couldn't be starker. Trump has built his reputation on strict immigration measures, advocating for tighter border security and stricter enforcement on illegal immigration, whereas Harris has favored pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants coupled with comprehensive immigration reform.
AAPI respondents have shown trust beyond just immigration policy. They significantly favor Harris on issues such as abortion (65% trust her versus 16% for Trump) and race and inequality (64% versus 15%). When it even touches on economic policy, the gap narrows, showing AAPI voters are perhaps becoming more aware of the direct economic ramifications of immigration policies.
The survey findings do not present Trump solely as the antagonist. Nearly half of the AAPI adults surveyed express concerns about both candidates' abilities to uphold democratic values, with 51% stating they believe the Supreme Court, under its current composition, is failing on this front. This skepticism adds layers to how immigration is viewed—it's not merely about who is entering the country but also about how existing immigrants, particularly those engaged in legal processes, are treated.
Delving deep, AAPI respondents overwhelmingly see legal immigration as beneficial, particularly for economic growth. Roughly 79% believe legal immigration positively contributes to the economy, and 73% view skilled labor input, like those coming from science and technology fields, as invaluable. These views typically stand in stark opposition to the opinions held on illegal immigration, which bring risks to welfare programs (48%) and increase crime fears (38%). This duality indicates how AAPI voters are analyzing the immigration issue comprehensively, acknowledging risks without losing sight of the values legal immigration brings.
Interestingly, AAPI voters identify priorities for the federal government, emphasizing top issues such as increasing security at the U.S.-Mexico border and efficiently preventing visa overstays. A solid 45% of those surveyed advocated for heightened border security, resembling the general consensus from the earlier survey results predicated on more general public sentiment.
It's also noteworthy to mention the importance of intergenerational conversations. Many AAPI adults have indicated engaging discussions with older family members influence their perspectives on various topics, including immigration. This hints at how historical narratives pass through families, impacting today’s views significantly. Perhaps this focus on community and family is why AAPI adults are predisposed to lean more toward candidates like Harris, who appears to them to resonate on key social issues.
The overall climate surrounding immigration and border policies seems to polarize not just age groups or political affiliations, but also the way people from varied cultural backgrounds process these policy discussions. Around 51% expressed fear about the immigration debate's potential outcomes, reflecting how deeply the stakes feel this election season—not just for AAPI voters but across multiple demographics.
This tension reaches beyond mere numbers; it speaks to personal narratives embodying the immigrant experience, particularly for the AAPI community. Immigrant families often arrive with aspirations and dreams, and each election carries emotional weight.
Meanwhile, Harris and Trump have engaged with voters through public dialogues. Harris highlights her commitment to creating equitable, inclusive policies emphasizing community welfare, advocating for greater empathy and support for immigrants. On the flip side, Trump's rhetoric resonates with voters who prioritize safety, border control, and more stringent enforcement measures, speaking to those concerned about crime and resource allocation.
This discrepancy encapsulates the inherent struggle present within the current political climate as both candidates vie to project their vision for America. Each position is laced with fervor over the idea of what America should look like and who it should embrace. This tug-of-war translates to those casting their votes, deeply rooted not just within ballot boxes but also within personal aspirations for what the nation can represent.
With such high stakes involved, the outcome of this election could not only set the tone for immigration policy but would also potentially redefine American identity moving forward. AAPI voters, among others, are gearing up to express their hopes or disappointments long after the last vote is counted. The debate surrounding immigration may well continue beyond the election, whatever the outcome—reflecting the ever-evolving fabric of American society.
