Asian Americans Face Rising Anxiety Amid Immigration Debates and Policy Shifts

Asian Americans report higher levels of anxiety than any other racial group in the U.S., according to the latest STAATUS Index (Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the U.S.), released on Friday.

The survey highlights the ongoing mental health strain on Asian Americans six years after the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in anti-Asian violence across the country.

Key Findings from the 2026 STAATUS Index

• 44% of Asian Americans say they feel worried about life right now, the highest percentage of any racial group surveyed.
• Worry outweighs hope among Asian Americans, with only 40% expressing optimism for the future.
• 66% of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) respondents support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—the highest level of support among all racial groups (compared to 48% overall).

Public Perceptions and Misconceptions

The survey also underscores growing misconceptions and hardened attitudes toward Asian Americans within the general public:

• 21% of U.S. adults believe Chinese Americans pose a threat to society.
• 24% of U.S. adults think Asian Americans are more loyal to another country than the U.S., with 50% expressing uncertainty on the matter.
• Nearly 40% of Americans cannot name a famous Asian American, despite figures like pop artist Bruno Mars and former Vice President Kamala Harris being widely recognized.

Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: A Lingering Crisis

While anti-Asian hate crimes have declined in 2025, they remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels:

• Preliminary FBI data reviewed by Axios shows a 17% decrease in anti-Asian incidents from 2024 to 2025, continuing a multi-year decline from the 2021 peak.
• Despite this reduction, anti-Asian hate crimes are still up 200% since 2015, indicating a lasting shift rather than a return to baseline.

Expert Insights on Systemic Pressures

"This is a shift from extreme incidents to more systemic pressure."

— Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)

Chen emphasized that while anti-Asian violence may be declining, anxiety persists due to ongoing debates over immigration, tensions with China, and questions about citizenship.

"Americans are 'persuadable' when given more context, especially on issues like student visas. That's a sign of hope."

— Sruthi Chandrasekaran, TAAF Data Chief

Methodology Behind the Survey

The 2026 STAATUS Index was conducted from January 16 to February 10, 2026, by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF). The survey is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 1,500 U.S.-based respondents aged 18 and above, drawn from NORC's AmeriSpeak® Panel and NORC's Amplify AAPI Panel. The margin of sampling error is not specified in the provided data.

Broader Implications for Asian Americans

Despite increasing visibility in culture and public life, the survey data reveal that recognition, safety, and belonging have not yet caught up for Asian Americans. Federal policies on immigration, trade, and visas continue to shape both public perceptions and the lived experiences of the community.