Public opinion on immigration in the United States has shifted dramatically in a more positive direction, even as President Donald Trump intensifies his immigration crackdown, according to a new Gallup poll released July 11.
The survey, conducted between June 2 and June 26 with a sample of 1,402 Americans, found that positive views of immigration have soared to a record 79%, while the share of Americans who believe immigration should be decreased has dropped to 30% — down from a five-year high of 55% in 2024.
The shift comes in the midst of sweeping and controversial enforcement measures by the Trump administration. In June, Trump launched a new wave of mass deportation operations, deploying masked immigration agents to target restaurants, farms, and retail locations across the country. The crackdown has triggered widespread protests and drawn intense legal scrutiny.
A Shift Across Party Lines
One of the most surprising findings in the poll is the notable shift in sentiment among Republican voters. In 2024, 88% of Republicans said immigration should be reduced. That number has now fallen to 48%. Meanwhile, 64% of Republicans now view immigration as a positive force — a 25-point increase from last year.
These changing views appear to reflect a complex political landscape: while Trump’s tough stance on immigration has generated controversy, it may have prompted some Americans to reassess the overall value of immigration, particularly as immigrants play vital roles in the U.S. economy and workforce.
Controversial Enforcement Actions
The Trump administration’s aggressive approach has not been without backlash. In March, authorities deported hundreds of men — most of them Venezuelan nationals — to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, drawing condemnation from human rights advocates and sparking a diplomatic outcry. Among those deported was Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident from El Salvador whose deportation was later reversed after a court ruled in his favor.
The legal controversy reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which has since ruled that the federal government can deport individuals to countries they are not originally from — a decision with major implications for future immigration policy.
Meanwhile, a new detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” located in the Florida Everglades, has drawn further criticism. The facility, designed to house undocumented migrants in a remote and secure location, has been sharply criticized by civil rights groups and is facing mounting legal challenges.
Public Opinion vs. Policy
Despite the growing public support for immigration, Trump’s immigration policies remain broadly unpopular. Only 35% of Americans approve of his handling of the issue, according to the Gallup poll.
Still, the divergence between public sentiment and federal action has not deterred the administration, which has repeatedly stated its commitment to securing the U.S. border and enforcing immigration laws through tougher measures.
As legal battles continue and the political climate remains charged, the evolving public consensus may shape future immigration debates — revealing a more nuanced national attitude toward those who seek to live and work in the United States.
