Immigration Surges to Top Concern for Americans, Overtaking Government
The latest Gallup poll reveals a significant shift in the most important problem facing the United States, with immigration taking the top spot. According to the survey conducted from Feb. 1-20, 28% of Americans now name immigration as the most pressing issue, up from 20% in the previous month. This marks a notable change as immigration surpasses the government, which had been the top concern for the past two months.
The increase in mentions of immigration as the most important problem is largely driven by Republicans, with 57% now citing it as the top issue, up from 37% in January. Independents also show a modest uptick, from 16% to 22%, while Democrats’ responses remain relatively stable.
The survey also found that a record-high 55% of U.S. adults view “large numbers of immigrants entering the United States illegally” as a critical threat to U.S. vital interests. This sentiment is particularly strong among Republicans, with 90% considering illegal immigration a critical threat.
In addition to immigration, the poll also touched on Americans’ economic sentiments, with 26% describing current economic conditions as excellent or good. While the overall economic outlook remains more negative than positive, there has been a slight improvement in perceptions of the economy, with 32% believing it is getting better.
Despite some positive economic indicators, overall satisfaction with the state of the nation remains low, with 79% of Americans expressing dissatisfaction. President Joe Biden’s job approval rating also remains relatively low at 38%, with his handling of the immigration issue receiving a personal low of 28%.
The latest Gallup poll highlights the complex challenges facing the nation, with immigration emerging as a top concern for Americans alongside ongoing economic uncertainties. As federal leaders grapple with these issues, public sentiment remains largely dissatisfied with the state of the nation and the performance of elected officials.