Key Takeaways:
- Only 19% of likely voters in swing districts approve of Democrats’ handling of immigration.
- 77% disapprove, giving Democrats a 58-point net negative rating.
- Republicans fare better, with a 43% approval rating and a smaller 11-point negative gap.
- The survey highlights a growing immigration crisis under President Joe Biden.
- Illegal border crossings have skyrocketed, with over 11 million encounters during Biden’s term.
- Trump’s tough stance on immigration helped him win re-election in 2024.
Democrats’ Immigration Crisis: A Poll Reveals a Stunning Collapse in Public Support
A shocking new survey reveals that Americans are deeply unhappy with how Democrats are handling immigration. In swing districts across the U.S., a mere 19% of likely voters approve of the party’s approach to the issue. A whopping 77% disapprove, leaving Democrats with a staggering 58-point net negative rating.
This dismal performance is highlighted in a poll conducted by two Democratic-leaning firms, Way to Win and Impact Research. The survey aimed to help Democrats improve their messaging on immigration, but the results show just how far the party has fallen out of favor with voters on this critical issue.
How Bad Is It for Democrats?
The numbers are bleak. On immigration, Democrats are performing far worse than Republicans. While 43% of voters approve of how Republicans handle the issue, only 19% back Democrats. Republicans have a net negative rating of just 11 points (54% disapprove), but for Democrats, the gap is massive—a 58-point deficit.
“Democrat support is at rock bottom, and they need to rebuild their trust on this issue,” the poll’s authors concluded. This is especially concerning for Democrats, as immigration has become a defining issue in American politics.
Why Is This Happening?
The poll comes amid one of the worst immigration crises in U.S. history. Under President Joe Biden’s leadership, illegal immigration has surged to record levels. In fiscal years 2023 and 2024, border encounters hit unprecedented highs, with over 11 million migrants intercepted at the southern border.
These numbers have overwhelmed federal and local resources, straining communities and frustrating voters. The crisis has shifted public opinion sharply to the right on immigration, with many Americans demanding tougher measures to secure the border.
Trump’s Border Policy Wins Over Voters
Enter former President Donald Trump. During his re-election campaign, Trump vowed to close the southern border and crack down on illegal immigration. His promise resonated with voters, helping him secure victory in 2024.
The poll suggests that Trump’s approach to immigration is more popular than Biden’s. While Trump’s overall approval rating is slightly negative, voters view his handling of immigration more favorably. This explains why Republicans, despite their own flaws, are in a better position on the issue than Democrats.
The Political Fallout
The survey underscores the danger for Democrats heading into the 2024 election cycle. Immigration is now a top issue for many voters, and Democrats are trailing far behind Republicans in public trust.
While Republicans are not perfect on immigration, their numbers are significantly better. Democrats, on the other hand, are in crisis mode. Their 19% approval rating is a wake-up call, signaling that they must rebuild trust on immigration—or risk losing even more ground to Republicans.
The Road Ahead
For Democrats, the path forward is clear: they need to address the immigration crisis head-on. This means proposing solutions that balance compassion with border security. Without a credible plan, the party risks alienating even more voters.
For Republicans, the challenge is to maintain their advantage. While they are in better shape than Democrats, they still have work to do. With illegal immigration showing no signs of slowing, Republicans must continue to convince voters that they can solve the problem.
Conclusion
The new poll is a stark reminder of how immigration has become a make-or-break issue in American politics. Democrats are in free fall on the issue, while Republicans are gaining ground. With the 2024 election looming, the stakes could not be higher.
One thing is certain: how politicians handle immigration will shape the future of American politics. For now, the numbers are clear—Democrats have a lot of work to do if they hope to regain voter trust on this critical issue.