In brief
As new immigration policies are ushered in, a significant shift is being observed in public sentiments towards legal immigration in the U.S. An AP-NORC poll conducted in September reveals that Americans increasingly recognize the economic benefits provided by legal immigrants, with many now opposing reductions in legal immigration quotas. These changing perspectives contrast sharply with views on illegal immigration, which largely remain negative. The poll highlights an evolving landscape of immigration policy and public opinion amid ongoing political discourse.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has shed light on the evolving attitudes towards immigration in the U.S. as new restrictions are being implemented by the Trump administration. The poll illustrates an increasing number of Americans now view legal immigration as a significant benefit to the country, particularly regarding economic growth and the infusion of skilled labor into the workforce.
In comparison to earlier assessments, more adults now appreciate that legal immigrants can enhance the economy by providing diverse perspectives and expertise. Approximately 60% of U.S. adults acknowledge the contributions of legal immigrants to economic growth, up from 40% in March 2024. Furthermore, a significant faction acknowledges that these individuals enrich American culture and values, showing an uptick from 38% to 46% this year.
Interestingly, despite the prevailing political atmosphere geared towards tightening immigration controls, fewer individuals, including Republicans, now favor reducing the number of legal immigrants. In fact, only about 30% of Republicans today express a desire for legal immigration numbers to decrease, a drop from 45% earlier this year.
Notably, while support for legal immigration has surged, perceptions surrounding illegal immigration have not shown any considerable change. A sizable portion of Americans continues to foresee substantial risks associated with individuals who enter the country illegally, underscoring the complexity of the immigration narrative in the U.S.
As the Trump administration strives to reform immigration policies—including a proclamation requiring hefty fees for H-1B visa applications—public sentiment appears to be shifting towards a more supportive stance on legal immigration, revealing a growing recognition of its socio-economic advantages.
The AP-NORC poll, conducted from September 11-15, involved 1,183 adults with a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points.
