An Axios poll released last week claims that while voters support mass deportations, their "enthusiasm quickly erodes when presented with options over how to carry them out."
They found that result partly by presenting a series of unpopular actions in the most negative manner. For example, "Quickly deporting detained immigrants, even if it involves separating families or sending people to countries other than their country of origin."
But the bigger problem with the Axios conclusion is that they failed to ask about extraordinarily popular means of addressing the illegal immigration crisis. For example, voters overwhelmingly support requirements for all employers to verify that all of their employees are in the country legally. When told some states don't allow this, 68% favor a federal law requiring employee verification in every state.
Polling has also found strong support for Remain in Mexico policies, sending the military to help secure the border, and more. Most recently, our polling showed 81% support the key provision of the Laken-Riley Act: requiring immigration authorities to take custody of any illegal immigrant who commits a theft-related crime.
It is true that support for deportation will likely decline over time. That's largely because Napolitan News polling found that there are varying degrees of support for different categories of illegal immigrants.
There is, for example, far less support for deporting someone married to a U.S. citizen.
It's fair to say that not all illegal immigrants will be deported, but strong actions to secure the border will retain broad support over the foreseeable future. Most voters continue to believe that legal immigration is good for America and illegal immigration is bad. Our most recent polling found that just 12% see illegal immigration in a positive light.
Written by Scott Rasmussen, president of RMG Research and founder of the Napolitan Institute. This article was taken from a polling insights memo provided to Napolitan Institute's Gold Circle Members. For more information, contact goldcirclemembers@napolitaninstitute.org.
