As Trump Continues to Threaten Mass Deportation, Strong Voter Support for Legal Pathways Grows
Polling shows that, when provided with options, voters overwhelmingly prefer humane solutions that address both border security and provide pathways to citizenship for long-settled immigrants
New polling also shows battleground voters strongly oppose Trump policies– family separation, and mass deportation– and hateful language against immigrants
Washington, D.C. – As immigration remains a top issue for voters heading into the November elections, recent news coverage has highlighted voters’ continued desire for bold administrative action on the issue. In particular, there is strong support (66%) for a balanced approach that advances both border security measures and pathways to citizenship and legal status for undocumented immigrants. As reported yesterday by POLITICO:
“New polls have shown that voters prefer a balanced approach to the border — a mix of border security measures and actions that protect Dreamers and other immigrants who have been in the United States for an extended period of time. Along those lines, administration officials are discussing potential actions they can take for undocumented people who have long resided in the United States.”
The poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group and BSP Research on behalf of Immigration Hub, also shows that a plurality of voters reject extreme Trump policies that separate families (58%) and incite anti-immigrant violence (58%). In fact, 87% of Democrats and 67% of Latino voters oppose the kind of mass deportations that the former President is promising to carry out if re-elected in November.
“Recent coverage of certain polls offer a skewed view of public perception on immigration,” stated Beatriz Lopez, Deputy Director of the Immigration Hub. “When offered a choice between mass deportation and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the U.S., the majority of Americans always choose citizenship. The public has long demanded sensible solutions to our outdated immigration system – not threats or policies that could seriously harm American families and workers.”
Voters are increasingly eager for President Biden to take administrative actions that will fulfill a key campaign promise and continue building on his existing improvements to the immigration system. In particular, 82% of voters support President Biden creating pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for many years, pay taxes, and pass a background check. Populations like family caregivers (74% support), spouses of U.S. citizens (73% support), and Dreamers (76% support) see the highest levels of support.
As highlighted by the Associated Press, immigration action represents a critical opportunity for President Biden and Democrats to galvanize critical voters ahead of the November elections. In particular, the President’s 2020 coalition of supporters including Black, Latino, and young voters. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), a long-time immigration champion, agrees:
“Don’t be afraid, don’t be reluctant to talk about immigration. Lean into it,” Padilla said. “Because number one, it’s the morally right thing to do. Number two, it is key to the strength, the security and the future of our country.”
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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.
