An Economist/YouGov survey found 73% of Democrats support allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship, while 78% of Republicans favor deportation.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Democrats and Republicans are sharply divided over what should happen to illegal immigrants already living in the United States, according to a new Economist/YouGov survey showing most Democrats favor a pathway to citizenship while most Republicans support deportation.
The survey, conducted June 13-15 among 1,403 registered voters, asked respondents which position came closest to their view about illegal immigrants living in the U.S.
Among Democrats, 73% said illegal immigrants “should be allowed to stay in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship.” Another 10% said they should be allowed to remain in the country but not become citizens, while 6% said they should be deported.
Republicans took the opposite view. Seventy-eight percent said illegal immigrants living in the U.S. should be deported. Eleven percent said they should be allowed to stay and eventually apply for citizenship.
Independents were more closely aligned with Democrats on the question, with a plurality of 46% saying illegal immigrants should be allowed to remain in the country and eventually apply for citizenship.
Across all registered voters surveyed, 43% said illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay and seek citizenship, while 39% said they should be deported. Six percent said they should be allowed to stay without becoming citizens, and 11% were unsure.
The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
The findings come as immigration remains a central political issue during President Donald Trump’s second term, with the administration continuing to address the effects of millions of illegal border crossings during the Biden administration.
Recent criminal cases have also intensified debate over immigration enforcement. Last week, the Department of Justice announced charges against 15 people, including 11 illegal immigrants, in an alleged benefits fraud scheme in Massachusetts. Prosecutors said the suspects were accused of stealing $1.4 million in food stamps, health benefits, disability benefits and unemployment benefits in the sanctuary state.
The Department of Homeland Security also highlighted immigration enforcement cases in a social media post as the administration continues its crackdown.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials also announced the arrest of Aureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who has been accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Long Island, New York.
The Economist/YouGov results show the immigration debate remains deeply divided by party, with Democrats overwhelmingly supporting eventual citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country and Republicans overwhelmingly backing deportation.
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