“This Isn’t the Same Country My Parents Came To”: 100 South Asian Americans on Trump’s First 100 Days

Over the past week, we asked more than 100 South Asian Americans across the country how Trump’s second term — and specifically his first 100 days — has impacted their lives.

The responses were overwhelming.

87% of respondents disapprove of Trump’s actions so far. And their stories paint a picture of fear, frustration, and urgency — not just about isolated policies, but about the broader erosion of rights, institutions, and safety.

Here’s what we heard.

A rare sentiment: “Unlike most politicians, he is doing what he promised.”

For *some* South Asian Americans, the past 100 days have been a long-awaited validation. “He’s doing what he promised,” one respondent wrote. Another praised his decisiveness: “Unlike most politicians, he’s not afraid to act.”

Some pointed to immigration and tariffs as strong moves. “I’m glad some common sense values are being implemented,” one said.

And then there were the true believers:

“Trump is my God…I hope Trump runs for a 3rd and 4th term.”

“He’s trying to kill democracy and everyone he deems unworthy”

A vast majority of South Asian Americans polled voiced fear, disgust, or disbelief.

“Every day is a dare,” one respondent wrote. Another said simply, “So much damage in such a short period of time. Makes me sick.”

Some worried about their personal safety, others about the health of American democracy:

“I lost 25 pounds…I was briefly taking a SSRI, which is a medication that RFK Jr wants to ban and wants to detox people off of SSRIs by putting them in work camps. I worry about ending up on some sort of list like that too.”

“All of this signals a coup, an authoritarian takeover, a clear threat to democracy and rule of law as we know it.”

“Singlehandedly destroyed not only our economy but also the economy of world”

Trump’s economic agenda drew the most consistent alarm.

“Tariff threats are flat out stupid and cost me..in losses to my 401K,” said one respondent. Another echoed, “My retirement account suffered greatly by the market manipulation due to the fiasco of tariffs/oops sorry no tariffs.”

Many also talked about the high cost of living: “Consumer prices are too high and out of control,” said one respondent.

Several others worry about the uncertainty of the future and federal job cuts:

“My son is a doctor/scientist who relies on NIH grants for research”

“Dismantling federal agencies and cutting funding has jeopardized my career choices”

“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.

“I am a retired public school teacher… dismantling the federal Department of Public Instruction are heinous, grievous actions and devastating in a school setting. Every student needs to feel accepted and supported, as does every teacher.”

“Scared for family members traveling”

Many South Asian American respondents said they or loved ones are suddenly living in fear — even those with legal status.

One said he asked, “my green card holding mom not to travel for 4 years.” Another said, “ I am also fearful of ICE; I am wondering whether even my Real ID would be enough if ICE did a raid and rounded me up along with everyone else they came for.”

Many also shared how Trump’s actions have already had a direct impact on their immigration status or loved ones’ civil rights:

“My nephew had his F-1 visa revoked for no reason and can’t finish his studies here.”

“Brown & black people being kidnapped by ICE, at my alma mater (Tufts)... Activists being silenced.”

“​​Most important - the blatant disregard for our constitution, our rights. Arresting/disappearing people who protest against Israel, sending innocent people to El Salvador concentration camps like prisons, targeting judges who challenge the administration. These are the scariest actions of the Trump presidency.”

Final Thoughts

Our survey suggests that the first 100 days of Trump 2.0 have not only deepened divisions, but also led to fear within the South Asian community. While a small segment of South Asian respondents expressed support for his approach, a vast majority in our community is sounding a collective alarm.

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