A recent poll reveals that many Americans, including a significant number of those who voted for President-elect Donald Trump, hold more moderate views on immigration than his hardline stance. The survey, conducted from December 3 to December 7, shows that a majority of Americans support more targeted deportation efforts, favoring the removal of immigrants who have committed violent crimes or have been ordered to leave the country.
The survey, which polled 1,200 adults, was conducted by the National Immigration Forum in collaboration with The Bullfinch Group. The National Immigration Forum is an advocacy group that works with business leaders, law enforcement, and religious organizations to support immigrants.
The poll found that Americans overwhelmingly agree that deportation efforts should prioritize violent criminals and individuals with final deportation orders. Specifically, 66% of respondents believe these groups should be the focus of deportation efforts, while 34% support targeting all undocumented immigrants, regardless of their ties to the community.
These views were consistent across political lines. Among self-identified liberals, 69% supported focusing on violent criminals and those with final orders of removal. Similarly, 66% of moderates and 65% of conservatives held the same view.
Deportations of individuals with criminal convictions or removal orders have been a part of U.S. immigration policy for years. Under the Obama administration, deportations of criminals peaked, while they declined under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
The poll also addressed public opinion on the treatment of immigrants fleeing violent or oppressive conditions in their home countries. Respondents were asked if they agreed that U.S. immigration policy should prioritize family unity, respect for human dignity, and protection for the persecuted. A strong 73% of those surveyed agreed with this sentiment, with little variation across political ideologies—78% of liberals, 72% of moderates, and 72% of conservatives supported these values.
Jennie Murray, president and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, emphasized that these results should guide Trump’s approach to immigration policy. “Key Trump constituencies want his administration to preserve American values and set enforcement priorities,” Murray said. “The president-elect should respond accordingly and work with Congress on solutions that enhance security, respect human dignity, and preserve family unity.”
The findings contrast with a separate survey conducted in October by the Public Religion Research Institute, which showed more extreme views on immigration. In that survey, 61% of Republicans agreed with the statement that immigrants entering the country today are “poisoning the blood of our country.” This contrasts sharply with just 33% of independents and 13% of Democrats who shared this view.
The October survey also found a significant divide between Republicans and Democrats on the importance of immigration, with a 50-point gap between the two groups on how pressing the issue is for the nation.
This new poll, however, highlights a more nuanced stance on immigration, showing that many Americans, regardless of political affiliation, are more focused on prioritizing security while protecting human dignity and maintaining family unity.
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