Recent polls show that while there is broad consensus among the U.S. population that the economy and foreign policy issues should be a top priority for the administration in 2024, there are differences of opinion among people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds, ranging from issues such as racism and immigration.

According to the Associated Press (https://apnews.com/article/poll-race-ethnicity-economy-immigration-foreign-policy-dbf7ec76f8b1caa2ba44a3078ca2e6fe), the data on U.S. adults in general – including black, Hispanic and white adults – comes from a survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (https://apnorc.org/projects/2024-the-publics-priorities-and-expectations/) held in December. The data on AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) communities comes from an AAPI Data/AP-NORC (https://apnorc.org/projects/aapi-data-ap-norc-survey/) survey that aims to improve available survey data on Asian American communities in the U.S., which are often underrepresented in public opinion polls.

According to polls, about 7 in 10 U.S. adults of diverse racial backgrounds cite economic issues as a priority for the government in 2024, representing the most common theme for all groups, including whites, blacks, Hispanics and Asians. Inflation emerges as a significant concern, being highlighted by about 3 in 10 white, Asian or Hispanic adults, and 2 in 10 Black adults.

However, opinions differ on issues such as immigration, which is considered a top priority by 43 percent of Hispanic adults, 36 percent of white adults and 29 percent of Asians, but only by 19 percent of black adults. “Black and AAPI adults are less likely than white and Hispanic adults to mention involvement in overseas conflicts and other U.S. involvement internationally. About one quarter of white and Hispanic adults mention this as an issue to prioritize, compared to 7% for both Black and AAPI adults”.

In addition, politics is considered an important issue by 4 in 10 white adults, compared to 2 in 10 black or Asian adults. About one-third of Hispanic adults consider politics a major focus. White adults are also more likely to worry about government spending, corruption, and taxes than non-white adults, the publication highlights.

On important issues such as racism and ethnic and racial inequality, non-white adults are more likely than white adults to highlight these issues as important to the government. “About 2 in 10 Black adults highlight racial issues, compared to 13% of Hispanic adults and 12% of AAPI adults. Each of these groups is more likely than white adults, at 7%, to mention it. Non-white adults also mention employment issues at a higher rate than white adults do, including job availability and the minimum wage”.

The Associated Press publication includes opinions from interviewees, highlighting the variety of concerns and views. Some express concerns about cuts to government programs, while others point to the need to focus on election integrity. Distrust in the federal government is highlighted, with most respondents expressing low confidence in the federal government's ability “to make progress on important issues in 2024”. Most highlight disbelief in the system.