For Korean Americans, Belief in the American Dream Increasingly Tenuous

By Nicole Chang for American Community Media

Korean Americans are among the most religious demographic groups in the U.S., with rates of church affiliation—mainly Protestant Christian—topping even the general population. They also are among the most ardent believers in the American Dream.

But a recent survey of church going Korean Americans across the country finds that confidence in the promise of America may be slipping.

Fifty-four percent of respondents said they believe the American Dream, the idea that one can advance in life through hard work and merit, is still attainable, while 46% said that may have been true in the past but that it is now “no longer valid.”

Responses vary by age, with those in their 40s and early 50s expressing greater pessimism in the idea of the American Dream. Younger respondents in their 20s and 30s, and older respondents believe that it remains a reality.

The informal survey was conducted earlier this summer by Korean Christian Mission USA, a national faith-based organization with headquarters in Los Angeles, and offers a window into a community whose impact on American culture, society and the economy is growing.

Importance of the Korean American community

Among demographic groups, Korean Americans have consistently seen some of the highest rates of entrepreneurship and business ownership, as well as academic success. Census data from 2022 shows some 60.7% of Korean Americans hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 35.7% for the overall population.

Korean Americans are also a key bridge linking the U.S. and South Korean economies. South Korea remains a major investor in the U.S. and has promised upwards of $350 billion in future investments, though the details remain to be negotiated.

Asked to rate President Trump’s job performance, a majority (52%) said the government was “doing a poor job,” while just 30% said it was “doing well.” Seventeen percent responded they were unsure.

Trump’s anti-immigrant policies

Immigration and specifically the policies of the Trump Administration appear to be fueling much of the pessimism among those who no longer see America as a land of equal opportunity.

Respondents cited concerns that new immigration policies have made it more difficult to obtain green cards and pursue naturalization, tightening eligibility requirements while extending processing times. New naturalization guidelines issued earlier this summer introduced higher fees, tougher exams, and a more extensive background check, fueling frustration among legal immigrants who said the rules unfairly penalize those following proper procedures.

Others expressed unease over raids by armed federal immigration agents in immigrant neighborhoods, saying the enforcement actions have heightened fear and anxiety within Korean American communities.

The survey was conducted before the September 4 ICE raid at a Hyundai/LG plant in Atlanta, Georgia, where more than 300 South Koreans were arrested and later deported. The incident drew protests from the South Korean government and deepened concern among Koreans on both sides of the Pacific over relations between the longtime allies.

“The policies may have been intended to enforce immigration law,” said Chang Lee, president of the LAPD Olympic Station Booster Association, a community organization that serves as a bridge between local law enforcement and the Korean community in Los Angeles, “but they ended up dividing communities and stigmatizing immigrants who contribute to American society.”

The role of the church

Still, respondents were more ambivalent on the question of unauthorized immigrants and the church’s role in supporting them. Just 32% agreed that churches should provide sanctuary to undocumented immigrants, while 48% rejected the idea.

Including the 20% of respondents who were undecided on the question, roughly two-thirds of participants expressed some level of skepticism about churches taking on such a role.

Even pastors and ministry leaders were divided: 46% supported churches acting as sanctuaries, 38% opposed, and 16% were undecided.

Pope Leo has continued to champion the cause of migrants worldwide, urging bishops in the U.S. to be more active in supporting immigrants, continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who championed the cause of migrants during much of his papacy.

“This is a somewhat surprising result,” said Rev. Jongkii Min, chairman of KCMUSA. “Personally, as a pastor, I believe churches should serve as a refuge to protect their members. However, the findings suggest that many pastors place greater emphasis on following legal immigration procedures.”

Of the 128 respondents, 52% were men and 47% women, with 93% identifying as Christian, and 54% as pastors or ministry workers.

Their responses suggest that for many Korean Americans, belief in the American Dream remains a firmly rooted if increasingly fragile reality.