A new Gallup survey found Americans are more likely to view immigration as harmful than helpful on housing costs and job opportunities for U.S.-born workers, while majorities still see benefits in workforce gaps, tax revenue and science and technology labor.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Concerns over housing costs and job competition are among the leading reasons Americans view immigration negatively, according to a new Gallup survey that found the public is more likely to see migration as harmful than beneficial in those areas.
The June 1-5 survey found that Americans were more likely to say immigration has a negative effect than a positive effect on job opportunities for U.S.-born workers and on housing availability and costs.
“Americans are more likely to see negative than positive effects on job opportunities for U.S.-born workers (33% vs. 27%, respectively) and housing availability and costs (40% vs. 23%),” Gallup reported.
At the same time, the survey found majority support for several areas where respondents said legal immigration has a positive effect, including workforce shortages, low-wage labor, public revenue and science and technology jobs.
Gallup reported that majorities said legal immigration has a “very or somewhat positive effect” on “filling gaps in the workforce left by a growing retired population (64%), supplying workers for low-wage jobs (60%), generating tax revenue for public programs (56%), and contributing to the availability of science and technology workers (52%).”
The poll reflects a divided public view of immigration, with respondents expressing support for some labor-related effects while also citing pressure on housing and employment opportunities for U.S.-born workers. The results also showed strong pro-immigration views among Democrats, with roughly 90% holding favorable views toward migration.
The findings come as immigration policy remains a central political issue, including debate over its effects on wages, housing prices and employment. Critics of President Joe Biden’s migration policies have argued that increased migration contributed to higher housing costs and made it harder for some Americans to find work.
Vice President JD Vance has emphasized those concerns while arguing that reducing illegal immigration would ease pressure on the housing market.
“From day one, President Trump and I have said this very thing. Stopping the flood of illegal migrants into this country will bring down home prices and make housing affordable again for young Americans who are trying to start a family,” Vance declared this week.
Vance also addressed the relationship between immigration and white-collar employment during remarks Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he discussed enforcement actions tied to the H-1B visa program.
“I’m proud to announce that the federal Department of Labor has started dozens of subpoenas and investigations into foreign fraudsters who are trying to take advantage of the H-1B visa program,” Vance told the audience.
He said the administration’s position is that U.S. jobs should be prioritized for American workers.
“Here’s a simple principle, ladies and gentlemen: American jobs ought to go to American workers and not foreign fraudsters, and the Department of Labor is fighting back against it,” Vance said.
The Gallup results show that Americans’ views on immigration differ depending on the issue being measured. While respondents saw advantages in legal immigration for filling workforce gaps, staffing lower-wage jobs, generating tax revenue and supplying science and technology workers, they were more likely to view immigration negatively when asked about job opportunities for U.S.-born workers and housing affordability.
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