Key Findings
73% of U.S. adults view immigration positively, with 21% seeing it negatively. A majority believe legal immigration boosts labor and tax revenue, while support for increasing Border Patrol employment has decreased by 10 points to 49%.
WASHINGTON, DC — A recent Gallup poll reveals that a significant majority of Americans, 73%, believe immigration is beneficial for the United States. While this figure marks a decline from last year’s record high of 79%, it remains above the 25-year trend average of 67%. The poll, conducted from June 1 to June 15, indicates that 21% of American adults perceive immigration as a negative force in the country.
The recent drop in favorable opinions about immigration is primarily attributed to Republicans, whose positive sentiments have declined by 14 points to 50%. This reverses some of the substantial 25-point increase noted in the previous year. Support among independents has similarly waned, dropping 7 points to 73%, yet still remains well above the 66% recorded in 2024. Meanwhile, the percentage of Democrats maintaining a positive outlook stands at a solid 91%, tying with last year’s figure for the highest support within that demographic. Since 2001, a majority of both Democrats and independents have consistently viewed immigration positively, contrasting sharply with Republicans, who historically have expressed more reservations.
Perceived Economic Benefits of Immigration
A separate Gallup Panel survey conducted during the same period assessed public perception of the effects of legal immigration on seven key economic aspects. The results indicate that the majority of respondents believe legal immigration positively impacts various areas: 64% cite its role in filling labor gaps from a growing retiree population, 60% recognize its contribution to low-wage job sectors, 56% acknowledge its significance in generating tax revenue for public programs, and 52% see it as vital for the availability of science and technology workers.
When it comes to access to education, health care, and other public services, respondents are nearly evenly divided, with 35% seeing a positive impact and 33% a negative one. However, opinions diverge regarding employment opportunities for U.S.-born workers and the availability and cost of housing, with 33% and 40% of respondents respectively flagging negative impacts. Democrats generally exhibit more optimism than Republicans or independents when evaluating the economic effects of immigration, with many believing it positively influences labor supply, tax revenues, and high-tech job growth, while skepticism prevails among Republicans, particularly concerning housing and job opportunities.
Public Opinion on Immigration Levels
The Gallup poll also inquired about public sentiment regarding immigration levels. Currently, 35% of U.S. adults advocate for maintaining the current immigration rate, while 31% favor increasing it, and 29% call for a decrease. Notably, the portion seeking a reduction in immigrant numbers increased to 55% in 2024, indicating a rebound toward the higher end of Gallup’s historical trends.
Urging change in immigration policies appears to divide along partisan lines, with nearly half of Democrats favoring an increase in immigration (47%), whereas a significant portion of Republicans (48%) support a decrease, though this figure is markedly lower than the peak of 88% in 2024. A plurality of independents, at 37%, prefers to maintain existing immigration levels.
Support for Citizenship Pathways versus Enforcement Measures
The poll gauged public support for five specific immigration policy proposals. The most favored measures focus on pathways to citizenship. A substantial 81% of respondents support citizenship for immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children under specified conditions, compared to 75% who endorse similar provisions for all undocumented immigrants. In both cases, those who “strongly support” these proposals surpass those who merely “support” them.
Views on increasing the number of Border Patrol agents reveal a nearly equal split, with 49% supporting expansion and 48% opposing it. Opposition remains strong against proposals aimed at deporting all undocumented immigrants (58%) and banning sanctuary cities, with 54% opposing local government cooperation in federal immigration enforcement. Last year’s findings showed a similar stance towards deportation measures, while support for pathways to citizenship remains stable overall.
There is a stark contrast in partisan support for various proposals. A majority of Democrats express strong backing for pathways to citizenship, while far fewer Republicans feel the same. Conversely, Republican voters tend to show broader support for enforcement measures, distinguishing their views significantly from their Democratic counterparts.
Despite shifts in sentiment related to immigration enforcement, the inclination for pathways to citizenship remains robust among a majority of independents, with support levels bridging between the two major parties. The slight decline in support for increasing Border Patrol agents correlates with decreased enthusiasm among both Republican and independent respondents.
