A new poll reveals widespread support for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, as former President Donald Trump discusses immigration on Fox News.
At a Glance
- 54% of voters support mass deportations, including 86% of Republicans and 58% of Independents
- Immigration ranks as the second most important issue for voters, following inflation
- Trump is considered more competent in handling immigration than Vice President Kamala Harris
- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters decided not to endorse either presidential candidate
Majority Support for Mass Deportation
A recent Scripps News/Ipsos poll has unveiled a striking shift in public opinion regarding immigration policy. The survey found that 54% of all voters, including a significant 58% of independents, now support the idea of mass deportations for undocumented immigrants. This sentiment is particularly strong among Republicans, with an overwhelming 86% backing such measures.
The poll, which sampled 1,027 individuals and has a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points, indicates that immigration has become a top political issue for voters, second only to concerns about inflation. Notably, even 25% of registered Democrats expressed support for mass deportation, signaling a complex political landscape on this issue.
Americans favor Trump on immigration, support mass deportation of illegal immigrants, poll finds https://t.co/UClCFKfykU
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 18, 2024
Trump’s Immigration Stance and Public Perception
Former President Donald Trump, speaking on ‘Fox News @ Night’ in Springfield, Ohio, reiterated his tough stance on immigration. The poll results suggest that his position resonates with a significant portion of the electorate. When it comes to handling immigration issues, 44% of respondents view Trump as more competent compared to 34% who favor Vice President Kamala Harris.
“They have pledged to carry out the largest deportation, a mass deportation, in American history,” Harris said, criticizing Trump’s proposal. “How’s that gonna happen, massive raids? Massive detention camps?” she said. “What are they talking about?”
Trump’s campaign has outlined plans for what they describe as the largest deportation program in U.S. history, targeting an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants. Stephen Miller, a key policy adviser to Trump, has promised a “100% deportation” rate if Trump returns to office, along with the reinstatement of policies like “remain in Mexico” and Title 42.
Voter Priorities and Political Implications
While mass deportation has gained support, the poll also reveals nuanced voter priorities. A majority of voters (69%) support asylum restrictions, and 62% favor local law enforcement involvement in border policing. Interestingly, 68% of respondents also support pathways to citizenship for undocumented migrants who arrived as children, indicating a complex set of preferences among the electorate.
“Given a choice, voters overwhelmingly support a pathway to citizenship over mass deportations,” The Immigration Hub Deputy Director Beatriz Lopez said in a statement to Newsweek. “No one in America wants to see families who have been here for many years separated—and that’s what Trump’s plan would do.
The political landscape surrounding immigration remains volatile, with both major parties facing challenges. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a significant labor union, has decided not to endorse either Trump or Harris, citing a lack of commitments to working people’s interests. This decision comes despite internal polls showing Teamsters members favoring Trump over Harris by a margin of 58% to 31%.
As the 2024 election approaches, immigration policy is likely to remain a central and contentious issue. Both candidates are actively campaigning across the country, with Trump holding rallies and town halls, while Harris participates in various events, including a livestream hosted by Oprah Winfrey. The outcome of this debate could significantly influence the electoral landscape in the coming months.
Sources:
- Harris blasts Trump deportation pledge as poll shows a majority of voters support it
- Donald Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan Is More Popular Than You Think
- The Stakes on Immigration
