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The fear of being arrested or deported has significantly increased among immigrants in the United States since the beginning of President Donald Trump's second term.
This is revealed by a national survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in collaboration with The New York Times, published in October 2025.
According to the study, 41% of immigrants fear that they or a family member could be arrested or deported, an increase of fifteen percentage points compared to 2023.
Fear is not limited to those without papers: among legal residents, 50% acknowledge feeling concerned about potential raids, and among naturalized citizens, 31%.
The stricter immigration policies of the Trump administration, focused on expedited deportation and increased operations in Latino and Asian communities, have had a profound effect on the mental and physical health of this population.
Four out of ten adult immigrants report having experienced anxiety, insomnia, or decline in their health due to worries about their immigration status. This figure rises to 77% among the undocumented.
The economic impact is also severe: nearly half of the immigrants reported difficulties in paying rent, food, or medical care over the past year, an increase compared to the 31% recorded in 2023.
Additionally, 29% admitted to postponing or canceling medical appointments in the past twelve months, mainly due to a lack of insurance or fear of being identified.
The impact of a climate of persecution is also reflected in daily life. Three out of ten immigrants acknowledge that they have restricted their activities outside the home for fear of attracting the attention of authorities.
Among the undocumented, that figure rises to 74%. Many have stopped traveling, attending church, or taking their children to school.
The study also shows a change in political perception.
Almost half of immigrant voters claim that Trump's immigration policies have significantly influenced their support for a political party.
Among Democrats, 53% say that the Republican government's stance influenced their vote, while among independents, 34% also acknowledge this impact.
The survey, conducted between August 28 and October 20, 2025, included over 1,800 immigrants from various backgrounds, including naturalized citizens, legal residents, and undocumented individuals.
KFF highlights that fear, anxiety, and economic insecurity among immigrants have reached levels not seen in over a decade.
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