According to a survey released on Saturday by The New York Times, a majority of 55% of Americans are in favor of the mass deportations that President-elect Donald Trump has promised. Trump is set to take office this coming Monday. These numbers illustrate a rising approval for his "America First" agenda, which defined his first term from 2017 to 2021.
The poll reveals that a significant 87% of respondents support the deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records, one of Trump's declared priorities. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of those surveyed, including 54% of Hispanics and 44% of Democrats, endorse deporting individuals who entered the country illegally over the past four years. This period saw the Biden administration roll back many of the previous immigration restrictions.
Among the more contentious proposals garnering considerable backing is the abolition of birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. A notable 41% of Americans favor changing this constitutional right, which currently grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil regardless of their parents' immigration status.
When it comes to "Dreamers" — young undocumented immigrants protected under the DACA program initiated by Barack Obama in 2012 — 34% of those polled support ending this protection. This indicates a hardening of attitudes toward immigration overall.
The research also highlights that 41% of Americans view immigrants as a "burden to the country," a sentiment that had decreased over the past decade but seems to be on the rise again. The undocumented population in the U.S. is currently estimated to be between 13 and 14 million, based on demographic data cited by The New York Times.
Support for other Trump initiatives is also noteworthy. A majority believes that the government has allocated excessive funds to Ukraine, and a significant portion backs restricting medical interventions related to gender identity for minors—key issues on the Republican agenda.
Despite the backing for several of his policies, Trump remains a divisive figure. According to Gallup, his approval rating during the transition period stands at 51%, the lowest for a president-elect in the past 30 years. In contrast, previous leaders like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama enjoyed approval ratings above 60% before taking office.
This study underscores a deeply polarized nation on the brink of Donald Trump's return to the White House, with immigration and social policies set to continue fueling debate both domestically and internationally.
Understanding Trump's Immigration Policies
What is the "America First" agenda?
The "America First" agenda prioritizes U.S. economic and national security interests, often focusing on strict immigration policies and trade agreements that favor American industries and workers.
What changes are proposed regarding birthright citizenship?
The proposed change seeks to abolish birthright citizenship, which currently grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.
What is the current public opinion on DACA?
Public opinion on DACA is divided, with 34% supporting the removal of the program's protections for undocumented immigrants who arrived as minors.
How does the public view immigration in general?
There is a growing perception among 41% of Americans that immigrants represent a burden to the country, a viewpoint that had been declining but is now resurging.