New AP-NORC Poll Reveals Immigration as Trump’s Key Issue—But Have His Policies Gone Too Far?

WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent poll shows that many Americans still view President Donald Trump’s immigration policies positively, boosting his approval in this area. According to the survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 46% of U.S. adults approve of how he handles immigration. This is significantly higher—by nearly 10 points—than his ratings on the economy and international trade.

However, opinions are mixed. While some see Trump’s tough approach as necessary, about half of Americans believe he has gone "too far" in deporting undocumented immigrants. Public sentiment is particularly divided over the deportation of Venezuelans accused of gang affiliation, as well as proposals to revoke visas of foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.

Trump’s Immigration Policies: Strong Support within the GOP

Immigration has been a decisive issue for voters, especially among Trump supporters. Many Republicans support his policies, with roughly 80% approving of his stance on immigration—a rate higher than for his economic policies. However, among independents, only about 40% are in favor, and approval drops to 20% among Democrats.

Despite the mixed reactions, the poll indicates that many Americans don’t fear direct consequences from increased immigration enforcement. Around 20% expressed "extreme" or "very" concern about knowing someone affected by these initiatives. Interestingly, that concern is greater among Democrats and Hispanic communities compared to white and Black Americans.

Concerns Over Deportations and Tariffs

The survey reveals significant public hesitation about aggressive deportation strategies. Approximately half of those surveyed think Trump has been too extreme in his actions toward undocumented immigrants, while just over 30% feel it’s been "about right." This hesitance extends to other policies as well; around 60% think Trump has gone too far with tariffs on foreign goods.

Divided Opinions on Deportation and Diplomatic Actions

The poll highlights a split among the public on large-scale deportations. Currently, 38% support deporting all immigrants in the U.S. illegally, which mirrors earlier sentiments recorded in a pre-inauguration poll. There’s also significant opposition (around 50%) to the idea of revoking the visas of foreign students for their activism.

In light of recent events, such as the deportation of a man mistakenly sent to El Salvador, the conversation around immigration remains a hot topic. Experts note that immigration enforcement policies are not only legal matters but also heavily impact families and communities.

Current Climate and Historical Context

Historically, immigration has been a contentious issue that shapes political landscapes. For example, during previous administrations, similar debates over deportation strategies have polarized public opinion. The current climate shows that while Trump’s immigration strategies resonate with some, the overall desire for severe action seems limited, reflecting a delicate balance of opinions in a diverse society.

The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,260 adults between April 17-21, 2023, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. As we continue to navigate this topic, it’s clear that immigration policies will remain a critical issue for many Americans moving forward.

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