74% of voters agree with a ‘border security first’ approach to illegal immigration that would prioritize securing the border and fixing our immigration laws before deciding what to do with illegal immigrants already in the country.
- 46% “strongly agree.”
WHY IT MATTERS – This is a rebuke to those who favor so-called comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the United States.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA – The results highlight varying levels of support for different steps to discourage illegal immigration, providing guidance on what reforms should be emphasized.
Click on the image below to read the full report…or read the summary below.
Bipartisan Support for ‘Border Security First’
- 74% agree that before making decisions about illegal immigrants already in the country, the U.S. should prioritize securing its borders, fixing immigration laws, and stopping illegal immigration.
- This includes majorities of Republicans (89%), Democrats (60%), and independents (75%).
- Gen Z (55%) and single women (58%) are the least supportive of this approach, but still have a majority in agreement.
- 69% of Hispanics and 75% of immigrant families agree with a ‘border security first’ approach.
- 82% of New Majority voters agree with a ‘border security first’ approach, including a large majority of those who are undecided (65%) and are currently planning to vote Democrat (73%) for Congress.
- Left Minority voters are more divided, with 52% in agreement of a ‘border security first’ approach, and 38% disagreement.
Deporting Illegal Immigrants:
- 66% support laws making it easier to deport illegal immigrants.
- This includes majorities of Republicans (88%), independents (67%), Asians (75%), Hispanics (52%) and white (72%) voters – as well as a plurality of black (48%) voters.
- There is a dramatic age divide, with Gen Z opposed 35%-54%, and Baby Boomers in support 77%-15%.
- 76% of New Majority voters support making it easier to deport illegal immigrants, including 59% of those who currently plan to vote Democrat for Congress.
- 52% of Left Minority voters oppose making it easier to deport illegal immigrants.
Ending Birthright Citizenship:
- 58% support ending automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen or legal immigrant parents.
- This includes majorities of Republicans (76%) and independents (57%). Democrats are opposed 40%-50%.
- Majorities of Asians (65%) and white (61%) voters support ending birthright citizenship, as well as pluralities of Hispanics (49%) and black voters (46%).
- 66% of New Majority voters support ending birthright citizenship, including 54% of those who currently plan to vote Democrat for Congress.
Modest Support for Other Reforms:
- Support for other laws to discourage illegal immigration is more modest, and divisive among key voting blocks.
- 58% support laws making it harder for illegal immigrants to get jobs in the U.S, but it is opposed by black and Hispanic voters.
- 54% support not counting illegal immigrants in the census.
- 52% support making it harder for illegal immigrants to send money back home, but it is opposed by black, Hispanic, and Gen Z voters.