A recent nationwide survey of Arab Americans reveals a complex mix of optimism about their futures alongside acknowledgment of persistent challenges, including experiences with prejudice and economic pressures. Conducted from August 20 to September 7, 2026, the poll captured the views of 412 adults with ancestries across 22 predominantly Arab countries, with 358 respondents identifying themselves as Arab.

Despite widespread dissatisfaction with the overall direction of the United States—nearly two-thirds expressed discontent—78 percent of Arab American respondents believe they have a good chance of improving their standard of living. This optimism contrasts with the 40 percent of the general American population who share this view. Many cite hard work and opportunity as reasons for confidence. Sonia Alshami, a California real estate investor whose father emigrated from Yemen three decades ago, encapsulates this sentiment, emphasizing how her family’s journey from agricultural labor to entrepreneurship represents upward mobility and assimilation. Two-thirds of those surveyed consider themselves a “typical American,” and 70 percent regard being American as a very important part of their identity.

The demographic composition of the respondents was diverse, with 21 percent reporting Palestinian heritage, roughly equal shares from Egyptian and Lebanese backgrounds, and smaller groups from Syria, Jordan, and Morocco. Slightly more than half were immigrants, while 27 percent were second-generation Americans. Religiously, the group is mixed, with nearly half identifying as Muslim and almost a third as Christian. The survey found that 87 percent feel free to practice their religion, yet approximately 80 percent perceive varying degrees of prejudice against Arabs and Muslims in the United States. Similar levels of perceived prejudice were noted against other groups, including Jews, Hispanics, and Asians.

Economic concerns were prominent, with respondents expressing frustration over rising living costs, such as gas and groceries. Business owners like Majdi Sharif, a Palestinian American running a cosmetics delivery service in New Jersey, reported significant increases in expenses, including health insurance premiums that surged after the expiration of federal subsidies. Sharif, who also reflected on the media’s shifting portrayal of Palestinians, underscored concerns about geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts involving Iran.

The political climate has also been a source of mixed feelings. Some respondents, including Alshami, engaged in local Republican politics and stressed the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Others, like Ahmad Addelhalim, a Palestinian American airport baggage handler in Chicago, recounted incidents of discrimination, such as a recent public verbal attack against his veiled wife, echoing the heightened tensions experienced since the post-9/11 period. Nevertheless, Addelhalim also highlighted the supportive relationships he maintains with neighbors from diverse backgrounds.

Ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, respondents expressed varied political reactions. While some were troubled by derogatory comments made by former President Donald Trump toward Arab American candidates, many welcomed increased Muslim participation in politics and generally felt comfortable discussing sensitive issues.

Arab American scholar and author Randa Kayyali emphasized the importance of preserving data collection on race and ethnicity amid potential federal plans to reduce census questions. She pointed to the community’s simultaneous experience of frustration over U.S. foreign policy—specifically regarding Palestine—and a resilient hope grounded in the Arabic concept of sumud, meaning steadfastness amid adversity.

The survey, conducted by the Washington Post-Schar School, contributes valuable insight into the perspectives of a population often underrepresented in national polling, highlighting both their contributions and the ongoing complexities they face in American society. The findings carry a margin of error of plus or minus 6.7 percentage points.