In September 2015, Monmouth University began asking voters if they approved a wall to be built along the U.S.-Mexico border. The amount of support was 45%. Two years later, in 2017, that number dropped to 35%.
But for the first time ever, a new survey by Monmouth finds that a majority (53%) of voters support finishing the construction of a border wall. 46% oppose it.
The poll also showed voters’ current attitude on the border crisis. More than 8 in 10 Americans see illegal immigration as either a very serious (61%) or somewhat serious (23%) problem.
The pollsters at Monmouth said illegal immigration is becoming a hot issue (besides Republicans) among independent and democratic voters.
• 91% of GOP voters were concerned about the border.
• 58% of independents say this is a very serious problem, and 41% of Democrats said the same.
Almost half of voters (47%) said the proposed bipartisan border deal that was blocked in the U.S. Senate wouldn’t have been tough enough on illegal immigration.
As an election-year issue, 48% of the public blames both parties equally for not supporting the bill, while 36% blamed Republicans. and 13% blame Democrats.
• 61% felt that immigrants looking for political asylum at the border should remain in Mexico until their claims are processed.
• 28% believe illegal immigrants take jobs away from American citizens with 62% say illegal immigrants fill jobs that Americans do not want.
Nearly half (47%) of the American public feels this border bill is not tough enough when it comes to dealing with illegal immigration, while 28% say it is about right and 12% feel it is too tough. Three-quarters (77%) of Republicans and half (48%) of independents say the bill is not tough enough on illegal immigration, while half (51%) of Democrats say it is about right.
Out of all the issues President Biden is dealing with, illegal immigration was his weakest policy, said most voters in this poll.
Author
