New polling numbers Axios Vibes/Harris Poll show a growing number of Americans on board with the idea of deporting illegal immigrants, even among Democrats.
51% are in favor of deporting illegals, including 68% of Republicans, 46% of Independents, and 42% of Democrats. Around 66% of voters say the border crisis is real and not driven by conservative media.
“I was surprised at the public support for large-scale deportations,” said former Clinton pollster and chairman of The Harris Poll Mark Penn.
Voters were asked which issue revolving around illegal immigration was their top concern.
- 21% said increased crime rates, drugs, and violence. 18% said more the cost taxpayers must subsidize.
- 17% said the risk of terrorism and national security (17%).
- 64% wrongly believe immigrants receive more in welfare and benefits than they pay in taxes.
- 56% wrongly believe illegal immigration is linked to spiking U.S. crime rates.
- 58% said they support expanding legal pathways for immigration. 46% said asylum seekers should be protected if their cases are legitimate.
- 68% said illegal immigration causes major problems in communities, while only 27% said the same about legal immigration.
- And 65% of Americans think the U.S. should make it easier for anyone seeking a better life to enter legally so they don’t need to enter illegally.
Mark Penn noted that voters see this issue as a top priority in this years election. “Voter say get this under control,’ ” he said. Penn also said Biden trying to shift the blame to Trump wasn’t going to work with voters.
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