Immigration has once again moved into America’s political spotlight, but new national polling suggests a surprising trend: while the debate grows louder at the top, public concern remains subdued. A recent Economist/YouGov survey reveals that a growing share of Americans now favor reducing legal immigration—even though the issue ranks low among the country’s overall priorities.
The poll, conducted from November 21 to 24, found that 35% of U.S. adults want fewer legal immigrants, including a small but notable 9% who support halting legal immigration entirely. Meanwhile, 23% favor expanding legal immigration, and 26% prefer maintaining current levels. Although these numbers highlight a polarized electorate, they also underscore an unmistakable shift toward more restrictive sentiment.
A Political Moment Shaped by President Trump’s Hardline Stance
The findings come as President Donald Trump intensifies his push for tougher immigration measures during his second term. The administration’s approach has included sweeping enforcement actions, controversial proposals, and rhetoric aimed at reshaping the immigration system at its core.
This surge in focus was amplified by a recent shooting in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan refugee. In response, Trump vowed to “stop immigration entirely” from what he labeled “third world countries,” and to deport individuals he considers a liability to the United States. These declarations sparked renewed legal and political tensions nationwide, coinciding with declines in his overall approval ratings.
Sharp Divides: Conservatives vs. Liberals, Young vs. Old
The poll highlights a stark ideological divide. Among Trump voters in 2024:
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38% want reduced immigration
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17% favor stopping it completely
By contrast, among supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris:
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40% want immigration increased
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Only 2% support a complete halt
Political identity is not the only dividing line. Demographic gaps are emerging as well:
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29% of Americans aged 18–29 support increased immigration
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Older Americans, especially those over 65, strongly favor reductions
These patterns reveal a generational shift, with younger Americans viewing immigration more positively than their elders.
Immigration Is Not a Top Public Priority
Even with heated political battles, immigration remains relatively low among national concerns:
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Only 6% cite immigration as their top issue
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25% name inflation
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16% prioritize jobs and the economy
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11% cite healthcare
This disconnect between political rhetoric and public priorities highlights a long-standing paradox in American politics: immigration generates intense debate among politicians but relatively limited urgency among voters.
Public Opinion Shifts With Question Framing
Further surveys show that Americans’ support for immigration policies varies widely depending on how questions are asked. For example:
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There is high support for deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records
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Support collapses for extreme measures such as using the military to detain migrants
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The public strongly opposes deporting individuals brought to the U.S. as children
Meanwhile, approval of Trump’s immigration agenda remains mixed:
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35% approve,
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52% disapprove, according to YouGov
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Support is higher (54%) when framed as “border security,” according to Marquette Law School
A Restrictive Landscape Takes Shape
The current administration has reduced the annual refugee admissions cap to around 7,500, marking one of the lowest levels in modern U.S. history. Such changes reflect a broader transformation of U.S. immigration policy toward enforcement and limitation.
Yet for all the shifts happening at the federal level, public opinion remains fragmented and complex. While more Americans are warming to the idea of reducing legal immigration, the issue still falls behind economic pressures, healthcare concerns, and cost-of-living struggles.