A Monmouth University poll showed a large majority of Americans, including most Democrats, now view federal immigration policy as a serious problem.
There was a significant rise in concern among Republicans and independents compared to prior years.
The poll also found Republicans are more likely now than in the past to see illegal immigrants as taking jobs from Americans, indicating growing concern about the economic impact of immigration.
According to the report, “Democrats (91%) are more likely to say these immigrants take unwanted jobs than in 2015 (70%).”
Independents were less likely than partisans to see jobs being lost.
Overall the data suggests increasing skepticism toward the idea that immigration benefits society, as more Americans perceive it as making problems worse rather than better in the long run.
Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute said, “Illegal immigration has taken center stage as a defining issue this presidential election year … [and] to be Biden’s weakest policy area, including among his fellow Democrats.”
The results spotlight immigration emerging as a defining issue for the 2022 elections and a weak area for President Biden.
