Last week Polling News and Notes looked at a recent New York Times/Ipsos poll showing Americans vastly support President Donald Trump’s plans to deport immigrants who are here illegally, prioritizing those with criminal records. A recent AP/NORC poll supports this as well, though found support plummets when children and places like churches, schools, and hospitals are involved.
By The Numbers:
Support is the highest (83%) for “deporting undocumented migrants convicted of violent crimes. Similar to the New York Times poll, only six percent oppose this policy.
Support for deporting all illegal immigrants was not as strong in the AP/NORC poll. Only 43% of Americans favor “deporting all undocumented migrants.” A recent Fox News poll also found that only 30% of registered voters want to deport all illegal immigrants, while 50% want to deport illegal immigrants with a criminal record.
Only about one-fourth of Americans favor more controversial steps, like “deporting undocumented migrants, even if they’ll be separated from children” (28%); “arresting undocumented migrants in hospitals” (27%); “arresting undocumented migrants in churches” (20%); and “arresting undocumented migrant children in schools” (18%). Additionally, a recent Axios/Ipsos poll found only 34% of Americans support policy of deporting migrants who came to the U.S. as children, whether they entered legally or not.
The Bottom Line: There is undoubtedly vast, bipartisan support for deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in the U.S. There is some level of support for deporting migrants who are here illegally. Where the Administration will need to be mindful of its handling of Dreamers, family separations, and enforcement actions in schools, places of worship, and hospitals. It should remain focused on delivering Trump’s main campaign promise to deport illegal criminals without taking it too far with people who have been here for years and contributed to our economy.
