Polls consistently reveal strong criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s border policy, highlighting two major issues: widespread opposition to illegal immigration and a strong desire for increased security and troop deployment at the southern border. Recent surveys underscore this sentiment, showing that Americans broadly disapprove of Vice President Kamala Harris’s role as “border czar.” A new Napolitan News Service poll found that 84% of registered voters view illegal immigration as detrimental to the United States, compared to just 12% who see it as beneficial, the Center Square reports.
The ratio of opposition to support for illegal immigration has “remained broadly unchanged for decades,” according to the news service. A significant majority of 71% of those polled expressed support for legal immigration, believing it benefits the country. In contrast, opponents of illegal immigration argue that it harms Americans. “That view has also remained stable for decades. Voters make a clear distinction between legal and illegal immigration,” said the news service.
The main reason for opposition is crime. Among those surveyed, 49% cited crime as a primary concern, while 28% argued that illegal immigration allows criminals and terrorists into the country. Additionally, 26% believed it places a strain on the economy and healthcare, 16% felt it permits dangerous individuals entry, and 5% pointed to the influx of drugs and dealers, the Center Square reported, citing the data.
“Overall, these numbers reflect the fact that voters see America as both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws,” RMG Research president Scott Rasmussen noted. “Voters understand why most immigrants want to bring their families to the land of opportunity. But they are angry at the federal government for allowing and encouraging illegal immigration.”
In a separate poll, 75% said they support sending U.S. troops to “challenge drug cartels and secure the border.” “That’s up significantly since President Biden took office and the total includes 90% of Republicans and 62% of Democrats,” Napolitan News Service reported. These findings are consistent with several other polls. A recent Rasmussen Reports survey found that nearly two-thirds polled say the southern border crisis should be called an invasion. Large majorities said border security is a vital national security interest (70%) and acknowledged what’s happening is a crisis (72%).
The shift in discussion follows Texas introducing the concept of an “invasion” at the border, with 55 counties officially declaring it and 60 counties issuing disaster declarations in response to the crisis. A recent Monmouth University Polling Institute report reveals that a majority of respondents support building a border wall, a policy former President Donald Trump initiated and that President Biden ended on his first day in office. Over 80% of those polled view illegal immigration as a “very serious” (61%) or “somewhat serious” (23%) problem. “Public concern about illegal immigration is higher during President Joe Biden’s term than it was under the prior two administrations,” the institute said.
