Twice Bitten: South Asian Americans Express Widespread Concern Over First 100 Days of Trump’s Second Term

A new survey conducted by Indian American IMPACT has revealed substantial concerns among South Asian Americans regarding the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second presidency, with 87% of respondents expressing disapproval of the administration’s actions thus far.

The nationwide poll, which gathered responses from more than 100 South Asian Americans across the country, paints a picture of a community grappling with anxiety about policy changes affecting immigration, economics, and civil liberties.

“These findings reflect deep-seated concerns within the South Asian American community about the trajectory of the country,” said Dr. Anita Sharma, political scientist at Georgetown University, who was not involved in the survey but reviewed its findings. “While not a scientific poll, it provides important qualitative insights into how this demographic is processing recent policy changes.”

Economic Policies Draw Strongest Criticism

The survey identified economic policies as generating the most consistent alarm among respondents. Many cited concerns about market volatility related to tariff announcements, with one respondent noting that “tariff threats are flat out stupid and cost me in losses to my 401K.”

Another respondent reported their “retirement account suffered greatly by the market manipulation due to the fiasco of tariffs/oops sorry no tariffs,” referencing the administration’s sometimes contradictory statements on trade policy.

Rising consumer prices were also frequently mentioned, with one participant stating that “consumer prices are too high and out of control.” One respondent went so far as to claim the administration had “singlehandedly destroyed not only our economy but also the economy of world,” though economic analysts have noted that global economic trends are influenced by numerous factors beyond U.S. policy.

Federal employees and those dependent on government funding expressed particular anxiety about job security and program continuity. “As a federal employee, the changes to the government and agencies have negatively impacted me. I am constantly scared that I’m going to lose my job and I am under constant stress,” wrote one participant.

Others worried about impacts on research funding, with one noting concern for their “son [who] is a doctor/scientist who relies on NIH grants for research.” A retired public school teacher called changes to the Department of Education “heinous, grievous actions and devastating in a school setting.”

Immigration Enforcement Creates Climate of Fear

Despite their legal status, many respondents reported a climate of fear around immigration enforcement. One participant mentioned asking their “green card holding mom not to travel for 4 years,” while another expressed fear about whether “even my Real ID would be enough if ICE did a raid and rounded me up along with everyone else they came for.”

One participant mentioned asking their “green card holding mom not to travel for 4 years,” while another expressed fear about whether “even my Real ID would be enough if ICE did a raid and rounded me up along with everyone else they came for.”

Several respondents cited specific cases of what they see as overzealous enforcement, including one who reported their “nephew had his F-1 visa revoked for no reason and can’t finish his studies here.” Another mentioned “brown & black people being kidnapped by ICE, at my alma mater (Tufts).”

The survey did identify a minority of South Asian Americans who expressed strong support for the administration. These respondents praised Trump’s follow-through on campaign promises, with one stating, “Unlike most politicians, he is doing what he promised.” Another lauded his decisiveness, saying he’s “not afraid to act.”

Some supporters specifically mentioned immigration policies and tariffs as positive developments, with one respondent commenting that “some common sense values are being implemented.” The survey also captured a few responses from passionate supporters, including one who declared “Trump is my God” and expressed hope that he would run for “a 3rd and 4th term,” despite constitutional term limits.

Concerns About Democratic Institutions

Beyond specific policy concerns, many respondents expressed broader anxiety about the health of American democratic institutions. “Every day is a dare,” wrote one respondent, while another observed there had been “so much damage in such a short period of time.”

Several participants used strong language to characterize what they see as threats to democracy itself. “All of this signals a coup, an authoritarian takeover, a clear threat to democracy and rule of law as we know it,” wrote one respondent. Another accused the administration of “blatant disregard for our constitution, our rights.”

Some respondents described personal mental health impacts resulting from administration policies. One reported losing “25 pounds” and “briefly taking a SSRI,” while expressing fear about RFK Jr.’s reported stance on such medications. Others described living in a constant state of stress and uncertainty.

Methodology and Context

Indian American IMPACT conducted the survey over the course of a week, collecting responses from more than 100 South Asian Americans across the country. While not a scientific random sample, the survey provides qualitative insights into community sentiment at this political moment.

The organization noted that the first 100 days of Trump’s second term appear to have “not only deepened divisions, but also led to fear within the South Asian community.”

The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the survey findings.

This article reports on a survey conducted by Indian American IMPACT. The views expressed by survey respondents do not necessarily reflect the position of this news organization.