Context:

Recent polling indicates a significant shift in American attitudes towards immigration, with a record 79% now viewing it as beneficial, a reversal from the previous year's sentiments. This change coincides with the intensification of immigration enforcement under President Trump's administration, which has included mass deportation efforts and increased border security. Despite Trump's policies receiving high approval from some Republicans, overall public support for his handling of immigration has declined, with only 35% approval. The Gallup poll highlights a decline in support for stricter border enforcement, although a majority still favor it, and shows a strong preference for creating pathways to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants. Hispanic Americans, in particular, show lower approval ratings for Trump's policies, reflecting opposition to measures like increased deportations and immigration raids.

Dive Deeper:

• A new Gallup poll reveals that public support for immigration has rebounded, with 79% of Americans now seeing it as a positive aspect of the nation, marking a significant increase from 2024 when 55% wanted immigration reduced.

• Trump's administration has implemented extensive immigration crackdowns, including mass deportations, a travel ban, and increased immigration raids, which have led to mixed approval ratings, especially among Hispanic Americans who largely disapprove.

• The poll indicates a sharp decline in Republican support for reducing immigration levels, falling from 88% to 48% in one year, with a growing number viewing immigration positively.

• Despite overall disapproval of Trump's immigration policies, his swift actions have maintained strong approval among some Republicans, although only 35% of the general population approves of his immigration handling.

• The decrease in illegal border crossings and the resulting lower strain on cities like New York is attributed to the intensified enforcement measures, yet public sentiment remains divided on the ethical implications of these policies.

• There remains a high level of public support for creating pathways to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants, showing a preference for more inclusive immigration policies despite the administration's hardline stance.

• Hispanic adults demonstrate lower support for Trump's immigration approach, with approval 14 percentage points below the national average, highlighting demographic discontent with policies perceived as overly harsh.