76% of U.S. Hispanics call the border situation a “crisis” or “major problem” but are less likely to support proposals to secure the border than other demographic groups.
WHY IT MATTERS – Candidates must address voter concerns on the border without alienating Hispanics – a growing portion of the electorate.
DIFFERENCES IN SUPPORT –
- 29% of Hispanics say making it harder for asylum seekers to obtain temporary legal status would help the situation at the border, compared to 40% of non-Hispanics.
- 33% of Hispanics say increasing the number of deportations would help, compared to 55% of non-Hispanics.
- 28% of Hispanics say stricter penalties on businesses who hire illegal immigrants would help, compared to 48% of non-Hispanics.
- 26% of Hispanics say expanding the border wall would help, compared to 45% of non-Hispanics.
The differences in support for stricter border laws may be explained by different beliefs about why migrants want to enter the United States. Hispanic Americans are more likely to reference poor economic conditions and violence in source countries than non-Hispanics.
THE BOTTOM LINE – Hispanic voters want the border situation solved but are less likely to support restrictive policies.
GO DEEPER – Latinos’ Views on the Migrant Situation at the U.S.-Mexico Border