A new poll from The Economist and YouGov released Tuesday shows a notable rise in the share of Americans who say immigrants make the country “better off.” In January 2025, 31 percent said that; the new poll shows that figure up to 46 percent.
Why It Matters
A changing mood on immigration could shape campaign messaging and legislative strategy ahead of the midterm elections. Republicans are weighing the political risk of hard-line enforcement, while Democrats are trying to energize opposition to mass deportation efforts—arguing the Trump administration’s approach has harmed the economy and fueled a humanitarian crisis.
The shift also comes as President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration has drawn net-negative marks in other recent national polling.
What To Know
According to the poll’s results:
- 46 percent say immigrants make the country “Better off”
- 20 percent say it “Does not make much difference”
- 24 percent say “Worse off”
- 11 percent say “Not sure”
On Trump’s immigration approach:
- 50 percent say it is “too harsh”
- 36 percent say “about right”
- 8 percent say “Too soft”
- 7 percent say “Not sure”
The survey polled 1,672 U.S. adults from January 30 to February 2 and reported a 3.2 percent margin of error.
For comparison, in the January 2025 poll:
- 31 percent said “Better off”
- 21 percent said “Does not make much difference”
- 34 percent said “Worse off”
- 14 percent said “Not sure”
The polling arrives after two deadly shootings of U.S. citizens by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, followed by national backlash and protests tied to the Trump administration’s enforcement strategies.
What People Are Saying
Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek on Tuesday night when asked if Trump should take the polling into consideration:
“Yes, what has happened in Minnesota, and with ICE violently taking into custody immigrants there and elsewhere who have been working and contributing positively to their communities, has made the public take note of their work and contributions. They see how the country is better off for it. We saw this more positive view of immigrants emerging in earlier polls after Trump was elected and started aggressively going after immigrants beyond those who were criminals.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, on X Tuesday:
“A nation without borders is no nation at all. President Trump has delivered the most secure southern border in U.S. history. Now it is our mission to make sure it stays that way for the long run. Thank you, to the brave men and women of DHS law enforcement who are on the front lines. You make America proud!”
House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on X last month:
“The Department of Homeland Security is supposed to keep the American people safe. Not brutalize or kill them. Why is that so difficult for Republicans in Congress to understand?”
What Happens Next
Immigration sentiment will continue to be closely tracked as both parties calibrate their midterm strategies—especially around how to balance border security with enforcement actions inside U.S. communities.
