Americans want border security, oppose breaking up families: Poll

A new nationwide survey reveals broad public support for deporting immigrants convicted of violent crimes, but opinions shift when it comes to how deportations are carried out, particularly when families are involved. The data highlights the opinions surrounding the immigration debate in the U.S.

Strong support for tougher border restrictions

The survey, conducted in January 2025 The Associated Press and the University of Chicago’s Research Center, shows 52% of Americans believe tougher border restrictions should be a top priority for the government, while only 17% view it as a low priority. These views align with President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration policies, which include a national border emergency declared just hours after he was sworn into office.

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Trump’s policies, aimed at strengthening enforcement and securing the southern border, seem to reflect the desires of a portion of the U.S. public, with over 1,000 Americans surveyed.

Bipartisan support for deporting violent offenders

The data reveals bipartisan support for the deportation of immigrants convicted of violent crimes. Both Democrats and Republicans in the survey agree violent offenders should be removed from the U.S. In line with this view, the Senate recently passed the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the federal government detain immigrants accused of theft or violent crimes.

However, when it comes to the mass deportation of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally but have not committed a crime, opinions are more divided. While 37% of those polled support the policy, 44% oppose it, and about 20% remain unsure.

Strong opposition to family separation in deportations

The divide becomes even more pronounced when survey participants were asked about the handling of deportations, particularly concerning families. Nearly two-thirds of Americans oppose separating children from their parents when they are detained for entering the U.S. illegally. Additionally, half of those surveyed oppose deporting immigrants if it means separating them from their children who are U.S. citizens.

This public opposition contrasts sharply with Trump’s recent executive order, which removes automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to immigrants who entered illegally. His executive order was blocked by a federal judge on Thursday, Jan. 23.

In another key finding, the survey shows that a majority of Americans oppose the practice of arresting immigrants at schools, hospitals and churches, methods encouraged by Trump’s latest orders.

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Divided views on local police cooperation with federal authorities

Americans are also divided on the role of local police in enforcing federal immigration policies. About 40% of those polled say local police should always cooperate with federal immigration authorities, while about half believe cooperation should be limited to specific cases.