Asian Americans Report Highest Anxiety Levels Over Shifting U.S. Attitudes On Identity, Immigration

Asian Americans are reporting the highest levels of anxiety among racial groups in the United States, according to the STAATUS Index 2026 survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for The Asian American Foundation.

The findings, detailed in the report, show that about 44% of Asian American respondents said they feel worried about their lives right now, reflecting sustained concern over personal safety, identity and social belonging.

The survey results, reported by Axios, highlight that Asian Americans continue to register higher anxiety levels compared with other ethnic groups included in the study. The outlet noted that the findings come amid ongoing national discussions on immigration, race and U.S. identity.

The STAATUS Index 2026 also points to a persistent gap between how Asian Americans are perceived and how they experience life in the country. The report shows that while Asian Americans are often viewed through a lens of educational and professional success, many respondents continue to report feelings of exclusion and uncertainty about their place in American society.

Media coverage has echoed these findings. Reporting by inkl on the same survey noted that Asian Americans continue to report elevated anxiety levels, with concerns linked to identity, belonging, and broader national debates on immigration and cultural integration. The coverage emphasized that these sentiments remain consistent across multiple survey cycles.

Further analysis from American Bazaar Online described the STAATUS findings as reflecting an ongoing question around what constitutes “true American identity.” The outlet reported that the survey underscores a continuing divide between public perception and the lived experiences of Asian American communities.

An explainer by News18 also highlighted the perception gap identified in the survey, noting that Asian Americans are often seen as hardworking and successful but are not always regarded as fully American in social terms. The report pointed to this disconnect as a recurring theme in public opinion data.

The broader context of these findings is supported by earlier research and reporting. A study highlighted by NBC News noted that a significant portion of Americans associate Chinese Americans with national security concerns, reflecting long-standing stereotypes that continue to influence perceptions of Asian American communities.

Earlier STAATUS Index findings also reinforce the current results. A 2023 report by Axios found that Asian Americans were among the least likely racial groups to feel they belong in the United States. That study documented continued experiences of exclusion and discrimination, adding historical context to the 2026 findings.