Immigrants Report Growing Anxiety Under Trump but Determined to Stay in America
A new national survey shows that many immigrants in the United States feel less safe under President Donald Trump, even as most remain confident about their future.
A joint study by The New York Times and the Kaiser Family Foundation surveyed 1,805 immigrants, including citizens, legal residents and people without documentation. It offers a detailed look at how different groups view their safety, opportunities and prospects.
Immigration enforcement has intensified since Mr Trump returned to office, with tens of thousands of deportations carried out. Nearly half of those surveyed said they now feel less safe, and concerns about detention or removal have grown.
The findings show a marked contrast between citizens and noncitizens.
Forty-one percent of naturalised citizens reported feeling afraid, compared with 63 per cent of noncitizens. Fear also varies by racial and ethnic background: 57 percent of Hispanic immigrants, 54 percent of Black immigrants and 45 percent of Asian immigrants expressed concern, compared with 36 percent of white immigrants.
Despite increased anxiety, most respondents said they would still choose to migrate to the United States. About 70 percent affirmed that they would make the same decision again. Large majorities also described their own prospects, and those of their children, as positive.
Many respondents said they continue to experience better economic, educational and living conditions than in their countries of origin. The results suggest that the perceived benefits of living in the United States continue to outweigh the risks linked to enforcement.
Drawing on data from the 2023 American Community Survey, the findings show that 41 per cent of immigrants come from Latin America, 28 percent from Asia, 11 per cent from Europe, 10 percent from the Caribbean and 8 percent from the Middle East and Africa. Citizens make up 54 percent of the immigrant population, while 46 percent are noncitizens.
