A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that a significant majority of Americans support the deportation of immigrants—both legal and illegal—who have been convicted of violent crimes. This consensus spans across political affiliations.
Why It Matters: President Trump has quickly begun a deportation operation targeting criminal aliens convicted or wanted for violent crimes.
By the Numbers:
- 83% of Americans favor deporting illegal immigrants convicted of violent offenses, with 65% strongly in favor. This includes 89% of Republicans, 77% of independents, and 79% of Democrats.
- 70% support deporting legal immigrants under the same circumstances. This includes 81% of Republicans, 65% of independents, and 60% of Democrats.
Between the Lines: While there’s strong support for deporting violent offenders, Americans exhibit more nuanced views on broader immigration policies:
- 50% believe increasing security at the U.S.-Mexico border should be a high priority.
- 43% support deporting all illegal immigrants living in the United States illegally (37% oppose).
- Only 33% consider the deportation of all undocumented immigrants a high priority.
- Only 20% support arresting people who are in the country illegally while they are at church.
The Bottom Line: As immigration remains a focal point in national discourse, leaders may need to balance firm action against criminal offenders with more measured approaches to broader immigration issues to align with public sentiment.