Washington, D.C.— Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults are expressing deep concerns about affordability, immigration, and healthcare access as they head into 2026.
A new poll conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in early December reveals that economic pressures are weighing heavily on these communities, with nearly half citing inflation and rising costs as urgent priorities for the government to address.
Key Facts
• 72% of AAPI adults mention at least one economic issue as a government priority, with 49% specifically highlighting inflation or cost of living concerns—a significant jump from 37% last year
• 41% name immigration as a top policy issue, while 44% cite healthcare concerns, up from 32% in 2024
• 58% believe the national economy will worsen in 2026, though only 35% expect their personal finances to deteriorate
The findings paint a picture of economic anxiety across AAPI communities. While the concerns echo those of the broader American population, AAPI adults are notably more worried about inflation and rising costs than other demographic groups.
Among the general population, only 33% prioritize inflation compared to the 49% of AAPI respondents.
Health care costs loom large in the minds of AAPI families. According to the poll, 60% express extreme or very serious concern about healthcare expenses climbing higher in the coming year.
Beyond cost worries, roughly 4 in 10 fear they won't access care when needed, face payment challenges, or lose insurance coverage entirely.
Immigration remains a defining issue across the AAPI community. The December 2025 survey shows 41% of respondents view it as a critical problem requiring government action.
This reflects ongoing tensions and policy debates surrounding immigration reform at the federal level.
Personal financial stress adds another layer to AAPI families' concerns. Around 42% mention personal finance issues as priorities, with specific worries about unemployment, job security, and housing affordability.
One in five respondents cite housing costs as particularly burdensome.
Despite grim national economic outlook, AAPI adults express cautious optimism about their own situations. While 35% expect personal finances to decline, 45% anticipate stability, and 19% believe their circumstances will improve.
This suggests some resilience despite broader economic uncertainty.
The poll reflects a more pessimistic mood than previous years. Compared to 2023 surveys, AAPI adults today show heightened concern about national direction and personal economic security.
Yet anxiety remains lower than recorded during April 2025, suggesting modest stabilization in public sentiment.
the AP-NORC report states, underscoring how AAPI concerns align with broader American worries while maintaining distinct emphases.
These findings carry significant implications for 2026 policy discussions. AAPI voters represent a growing political force in key electoral regions, and their priorities signal where political candidates must focus attention.
Healthcare reform, immigration reform, and economic relief measures will likely face scrutiny from this increasingly engaged demographic.
Do You Know?
AAPI adults are more concerned about rising healthcare costs than the general public, with 60% expressing extreme or very serious worry—highlighting how healthcare affordability disproportionately affects these communities compared to other demographic groups.
Key Terms
• AAPI: Asian American and Pacific Islander—a demographic category encompassing diverse Asian ethnic groups and Pacific Islander communities across the United States
• Inflation: The rate at which prices for goods and services increase over time, reducing purchasing power and making everyday expenses more expensive
• Healthcare Access: The ability to obtain medical services, including doctor visits, treatments, and medications when needed, regardless of financial barriers
• Policy Priorities: Issues and problems that citizens identify as most important for government leaders to focus on and address through legislative action
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