World Immigration News

Muted support for recent immigration crackdowns

Release Date: 2025-02-14
Media: Ipsos
Summary: On February 14, 2025, an NPR/Ipsos poll revealed a shift in U.S. public opinion toward a more restrictive stance on immigration policy. While a majority still consider immigrants an important part of American identity, this sentiment has declined since 2018.

Support for building a wall or fence along the U.S.-Mexico border has risen to 49%, an 11-point increase from 2018, while opposition has decreased from 56% to 37%. Meanwhile, 46% support granting legal status to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, but this is a nearly 20-point drop from 65% in 2018, with opposition increasing to 37%. Additionally, 61% still believe immigrants are essential to American identity, but this has declined from 75% in 2018.

Opinions on recent immigration restrictions are divided: 32% believe the measures go too far, while 29% think they do not go far enough. Another 16% say they are about right, and 20% are unsure. The proposal granting local law enforcement the authority to detain undocumented immigrants has near-majority support (48% in favor, 39% opposed). However, less popular measures include allowing ICE to arrest immigrants in protected spaces like schools, churches, and hospitals (35% support, 54% oppose), canceling visas for pro-Palestinian protestors (33% support), and ending birthright citizenship (31% support, 54% oppose).

Regarding sources of information on immigration policy, 48% have heard about its impact from local news, while 45% have seen discussions on social media. Social media exposure is higher among Democrats (51%) and Republicans (49%) compared to independents (40%). Additionally, 31% have heard about the effects through family and friends, while 9% have personally witnessed the impact of immigration policies.

Views on immigration limits vary: 14% believe there should be no cap on immigration, while 10% think immigration should be nearly eliminated. Most Americans support some form of restriction but are divided on the appropriate level—17% believe the current cap is sufficient, 12% think it should be increased, and 24% favor stricter limits.

The survey was conducted from February 7-10, 2025, among a nationally representative sample of 1,013 adults, including 263 Republicans, 322 Democrats, and 306 independents. The margin of error is ±3.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Tags: USA

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