Nevada's Asian American Voters and Their Current Views on Trump

Sarah McCammon reports on the voter dynamics in Nevada, where Asian Americans showed significant support for Trump in the 2024 elections.

Pauline Lee, who hails from an immigrant family, recalls the humble beginnings of her parents who came to America with hardly anything.

"They arrived here with barely a dime," she recounted, reflecting on their journey from entry-level jobs to successful careers in California.

Lee cherishes her family’s story of legal immigration. "Illegal immigration is a major concern for me," she stated. "Resources meant for Americans should not be extended to those here illegally."

A retired lawyer, Lee has become a notable figure in Nevada's Republican circles. Her sentiments align with a noticeable shift, as about 60% of the state’s Asian American voters favored Republican candidates over Democrat Kamala Harris. This marked a significant shift from 2020, when most Asian voters supported Biden.

Trump's initial policies focused on immigration restrictions and reducing diversity initiatives. Despite this, he has found increasing support among minority communities.

Over lunch, Lee discusses how many of her Asian American peers resonate with Trump's stance on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

Reflecting on her children’s college application experiences, Lee expressed frustration about the challenges they faced due to their ethnicity amidst a predominantly high-achieving Asian applicant pool.

Las Vegas City Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske echoes this sentiment, advocating for a merit-based approach in college admissions without disclosing student ethnicities.

Allen-Palenske, whose mother immigrated from South Korea, notes that economic concerns have also driven Asian Americans towards the Republican camp. "The rise in gas prices, inflation, and housing costs, particularly in Southern Nevada, are significant issues," she explained.

James Zarsadiaz, a historian, attributes the shift largely to these economic factors. Many Asian Americans, employed in hospitality and gaming sectors, feel the pressure at everyday places like grocery stores and gas stations.

Rachel Puaina, a Nevada educator married to a union worker, appreciates Trump's economic policies, including tariffs that, though affecting the market short-term, aim to benefit the U.S. long-term.

"Yes, this is exactly why I voted for him," she said, acknowledging the market fluctuations as part of the process.

Supporting Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, including reconsidering birthright citizenship, Puaina believes in tightening citizenship laws.

Schayden Gorai from Turning Point Action voices support from local Asian communities, emphasizing fair treatment in immigration due process.

Historian Zarsadiaz highlights that for many Asian Americans, immigration isn’t about race but fairness and lawful procedures.

However, Trump's immigration policies also bring anxiety. At a recent cultural festival, May, a naturalized Filipina, shared her unease about potential deportation implications.

May, who chose not to disclose her full name, feared for her family member navigating the citizenship process amid Trump’s stringent policies.

Nevada exemplifies the broader national trend, where Asian American support for Trump increased by six points from the 2020 elections.

Despite the increased support in 2024, an undecided future looms as only 40% of Asian Americans currently approve of Trump's performance, as per a recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute.