TL/DR –
According to a June 2-26 Gallup poll of 1,402 U.S. adults, 30% of Americans want immigration decreased which is down from 55% a year ago. At the same time, 79% of adults say immigration is a good thing for the country, with growing support for pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. The poll also found less support for measures such as expanding the border wall and more stringent immigration enforcement.
Story Highlights
- Americans’ demand for decreased immigration falls to 30% from 55%
- Record 79% believe immigration is beneficial for the country
- Support decreases for border wall, mass deportations
The US has seen a significant increase in positive attitudes towards immigration in the past year. The number of Americans desiring reduced immigration has fallen from 55% to 30%. Concurrently, a record high of 79% believe immigration is beneficial for America.
This shift reverses a trend of rising immigration concerns that began in 2021, reflecting changes across all major party groups.
With a significant decrease in illegal border crossings this year, support for stringent border enforcement measures has diminished, while favorability towards offering citizenship pathways for undocumented immigrants has risen.
A June Gallup poll of 1,402 American adults, including Hispanic and Black Americans over-represented, revealed these findings.
Fewer Americans approve President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration. His approval rating on the issue is lower among Hispanic adults (21%) than the national rating (35%).
Fewer Americans Desire Reduced Immigration
Despite the desire for reduced immigration peaking at 55% in 2024, this sentiment has nearly halved to 30% today. Currently, 38% of Americans prefer stable immigration levels, while 26% wish for increased immigration. The desire for less immigration has dropped amongst all party groups, most notably among Republicans.
Record High Believe Immigration Benefits US
A record high of 79% of US adults view immigration as beneficial for the country – a record low of 17% see it as detrimental. This perspective has bounced back to 2020 levels, primarily due to a change in the attitudes of Republicans and independents.
Rise in Support for Citizenship, Decrease for Enforcement
Support for granting undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship has risen, while backing for stringent measures to curb illegal immigration has fallen. This likely reflects the significant decrease in illegal border crossings.
Majority Disapprove of Trump’s Handling of Immigration
Americans predominantly disapprove of Trump’s immigration handling due to their opposition towards his policies aimed at removing undocumented immigrants. The disapproval rate stands at 62%, while only 35% approve of his strategies.
Hispanic Adults Favours Citizenship over Enforcement
Hispanic Americans’ views diverge most significantly from the general population in their lower support for hiring more border agents and their higher favorability towards granting immigrants living in the US the chance to become citizens.
Bottom Line
Americans’ attitudes towards immigration have returned to pre-border surge levels, with a broader appreciation for immigration and increased support for pathways to citizenship. At the same time, the appeal of rigorous border control and aggressive deportation policies has declined amongst Democrats and independents.
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