In brief
As President Trump's administration implements new immigration restrictions, a new poll reveals that more Americans view legal immigrants as beneficial to the economy and cultural enrichment. Support among Republicans for reducing legal immigration has decreased, while perceptions of illegal immigration remain largely unchanged, with many still perceiving risks associated with undocumented individuals.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A new poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that U.S. adults are increasingly recognizing the benefits of legal immigration, even as restrictions continue under the Trump administration. The survey reveals that more Americans see legal immigrants as contributing significantly to economic growth and helping American companies access skilled expertise. There has been a decline in the percentage of U.S. adults who believe the number of legal immigrants should be reduced, with a notable drop in Republican support for reducing legality in immigration processes. While just under half of Americans believe that the legal immigration level should remain the same, about a quarter are in favor of substantial or minor reductions—down from a third earlier this year. Comparatively, views on illegal immigration have not seen significant changes, with many Americans expressing concern about risks associated with undocumented immigrants, including potential crime rates and welfare burdens. The findings illustrate a growing recognition of the positive aspects of legal immigration, alongside persistent worries about illegal immigration—highlighting a complex landscape of public sentiment around these significant issues.
