Opinion Polls Show Majority of Americans Oppose Trump’s Deportation Policies

Opinion Polls – CNN Poll Reveals Growing Opposition to Hardline Immigration Measures

A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS highlights that a majority of Americans disapprove of the Trump administration’s intensified deportation efforts, signaling a shift in public sentiment on immigration policies. The survey, which reflects growing concerns over the administration’s approach, found that 55% of respondents believe President Trump has gone “too far” in deporting undocumented immigrants—a 10-point increase since February.

Key Findings from the Poll

1. Rising Opposition to Deportation Policies
   • 55% of Americans say Trump’s deportation efforts have gone too far.
   • Opposition is nearly universal among Democrats (90%), while only 15% of Republicans share the same view.
   • 57% oppose plans to build new detention centers for up to 100,000 undocumented immigrants.
   • 53% disagree with increasing the budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by billions.
2. Rejection of Birthright Citizenship Changes
   • Nearly 6 in 10 Americans oppose ending birthright citizenship, a key Trump policy goal.
   • Courts are currently reviewing an executive order that seeks to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented or temporary residents.

1. Mixed Views on Immigration and Safety
   • Only 46% believe Trump’s policies have made the country safer.
   • Just 42% think the federal government is careful about following the law in deportations.
2. Strong Disapproval of Targeting Non-Criminal Immigrants
   • 59% oppose arresting undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years without criminal records.
   • Government data shows most detained immigrants under ICE had no serious criminal convictions.

Partisan Divides and Shifting Priorities

The poll reveals a deepening divide between Democrats and Republicans on immigration:

• Republicans: While 83% support Trump’s overall deportation policies, only 47% back arrests of non-criminal immigrants.
• Democrats: Opposition has surged, with 90% saying deportations have gone too far.

Immigration has also become a top issue for Democrats, now ranking second only to economic concerns. The gap between Republicans and Democrats prioritizing immigration has narrowed from 26 points in January to just 10 points today, reflecting growing Democratic backlash.

Public Backs Protests Against Deportation Policies

The poll found 55% believe protests against Trump’s immigration policies are justified, with strongest support among:

• 78% of Democrats
• 63% of adults under 35
• 59% of people of color

Additionally, 47% fear the government will overreach in cracking down on protests, compared to 38% worried about protests getting out of hand.

A majority (59%) also oppose Trump using National Guard troops against immigration protests without state governors’ approval.

Conclusion: A Nation Divided but Leaning Against Hardline Measures

The CNN/SSRS poll underscores that while Trump’s base remains supportive of strict immigration enforcement, most Americans oppose aggressive deportation tactics, particularly when they target long-term residents without criminal histories. With immigration emerging as a key political issue, these opinion polls suggest that public sentiment may influence future policy debates.

Methodology: The survey was conducted July 10-13 among 1,057 U.S. adults, with a ±3.5% margin of error.