This Country Remains Split on Immigration as Primary National Concern

Recent surveys show that Americans are sharply divided on immigration, with many considering it a key national concern. According to a Gallup poll from February 2024, 28% of Americans now view immigration as the most pressing issue for the country, a significant increase from 20% in the previous month. This is the first time since 2019 that immigration has topped the list of national concerns​ (Politico)​.

The renewed focus on immigration is predominantly driven by Republicans, with 57% identifying it as the top issue, up from 37% in January. This upsurge in concern coincides with intense political debates and legislative struggles over border policies, notably the collapse of a bipartisan border bill in Congress​.

Over 3 months ago, Jen Psaki ridiculed immigration as a top issue for Virginians. Now, it has become Biden’s political Achilles’ heel. Even the Left sees his executive order as a desperate move to boost his poll numbers before November. https://t.co/82fT73WL61 pic.twitter.com/PfvlmQvSHB

— Congressman Ben Cline (@RepBenCline) June 10, 2024

A study by the Pew Research Center reveals that a large majority of Americans (78%) see the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border as a major issue, with 45% labeling it as a crisis. Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to consider it a crisis (70% vs. 22%), highlighting deep partisan divisions on the matter​​.

Public opinion on specific immigration policies also varies widely. For example, 60% of Americans believe that increasing the number of immigration judges and staff to speed up asylum decisions would help improve the situation.

Two-thirds of voters support Trump’s plan to carry out mass deportations of Biden-era illegals.

This isn’t anti-illegal immigration.
This is pro-deportations.

America is waking up. pic.twitter.com/JflnwSRs0y

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) June 10, 2024

Likewise, expanding opportunities for legal immigration has the support of 56% of respondents. On the other hand, contentious measures like building a border wall continue to stir debate along party lines​ ​.

Despite these disagreements, there is a general agreement on certain aspects of the immigration discourse. Research by APM Research Lab shows that over 40% of Americans believe that the country admits the right number of immigrants.

However, those advocating for more or fewer immigrants are evenly split, with significant variances based on political affiliation. Nearly half of Republicans feel that immigration levels are too high, while a majority of Democrats back an increase in immigration​​.

Overall, the intricate nature of immigration as a national issue is reflected in the diverse and sometimes contradictory viewpoints held by Americans. While economic opportunities and safety considerations fuel much of the discussion, the populace remains divided on the best approaches to address the challenges and opportunities presented by immigration.