Reduce Immigration: Why Most Americans Want Closed Borders
August 20, 2024.png)
Key Takeaways
- Recent polling data shows a majority of Americans want to reduce immigration, with MIG Reports analysis returning similar estimates within 2%.
- MIG Reports analysis shows 56.5% of Americans want decreased immigration due to concerns about security and economic stability.
- A smaller number of voters want to maintain current immigration levels through structured legal pathways, and a minority want to increase immigration.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
35,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
7 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
A recent Gallup poll of American approval regarding immigration levels from 1965 through the present determined:
- 55% of Americans today want immigration reduced
- 25% want immigration levels to stay the same
- 16% want an increase in immigration numbers.
MIG Reports analysis of voter conversations online not only confirm polling data but reveal why Americans hold their current perspectives on immigration
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Weighted Analysis
MIG Reports analysis weighs total discussion volume and approval percentages of immigration preferences by calculating the influence of each group's preference—decreased, maintained, or increased immigration—across multiple data sets.
By considering both the percentage of preferences within each data set and the total discussion volume of each set, the analysis determined the overall weighted preference.
MIG Reports analysis shows:
- 56.50% of voters nationally favor decreased immigration
- 26.22% favor maintaining current levels
- 17.29% favor increased immigration
- Additionally, in swing states, around 70% of conversations favor reducing immigration.
- In national conversations about the presidential election, 60% favor reducing immigration.
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Why a Majority Wants Reduced Immigration
The predominant preference in voters discussions favors decreased immigration. This is driven by a variety of concerns revolving around national security, economic stability, and public safety.
Many Americans voice deep apprehension about illegal immigration as a major threat to the country’s security and economic well-being. Voters talk about reducing or stopping illegal immigration because they believe:
- Illegal immigrants contribute to rising crime rates: Discussions mention gang activity and violent crimes linked to immigrant groups, particularly in urban areas.
- An open order exacerbates economic challenges: People discuss job scarcity and inflation, arguing the influx of illegal migrants strains public resources like social services, healthcare, and housing.
There is widespread frustration and distrust toward Biden-Harris immigration policies, which voters view as too lenient. People direct their anger toward Democrats who they believe have failed to secure the border. Discussions emphasize a sense of urgency and alarm, with many advocating for stricter controls and even mass deportation policies.
Reasons for Maintaining Immigration Levels
Around 25% of voters in MIG Reports data advocate for maintaining current levels of immigration. They emphasize the need for a balanced and structured approach to the border. These voters typically argue that, while reforms may be necessary, a drastic reduction in immigration is not the solution.
Immigration advocates point out the importance of legal immigration pathways, highlighting the contributions of immigrants to the economy and society. They focus on the value of diversity and the critical role immigrant workers play in the economy. Here, they mention industries that rely heavily on labor from immigrant populations.
There is also a strong humanitarian element in these discussions. Voters want asylum seekers to have human rights protections. They argue a well-regulated immigration system can benefit the country by bringing in individuals who contribute positively to communities and the economy. Sentiments in this group are generally more optimistic and focused on the potential for policy reforms that balance security concerns with the need for inclusivity and economic growth.
A Minority Want Increased Immigration
The smallest segment of Americans supports increasing immigration levels. This view is driven primarily by humanitarian concerns and the belief in the positive impact of diversity. Often progressives and libertarians, this group focuses on America's moral and ethical responsibility to provide refuge to those fleeing persecution and violence.
Increased immigration proponents say the United States, as a nation built on immigration, has a duty to welcome those seeking better lives and to support their integration into society. They also emphasize the economic benefits of immigration, particularly the need for a growing workforce to sustain economic growth and address labor shortages in certain industries.
Advocates point out immigrants bring a wealth of skills, perspectives, and cultural richness which contributes to the vitality of the nation. Discussions include calls for comprehensive immigration reform that expands opportunities for legal immigration and strengthens support systems for newcomers. The tone in this group is often one of compassion and a belief in the long-term benefits of a more open and inclusive immigration policy.
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