Recent polling shows public opinion remains strongly in favor of cracking down on illegal immigration, including strong policy stances for related issues such as the collection of public benefits and stricter controls for employment. Despite recent unrest surrounding efforts by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), likely U.S. voters still support the Trump administration’s immigration policy priorities.
In the wake of allegations of massive fraud among immigrant pollution in Minnesota, voter opinion is particularly strong on the issue of government-funded programs. According to a recent Rasmussen survey, a majority of voters do not want illegal immigrants receiving public benefits paid for by American taxpayers. The poll also indicates respondents would support stronger government action to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving such benefits.
Among respondents, 66 percent of likely U.S. voters said it was important for illegal immigrants not to receive government benefits. The survey also asked whether the government was doing enough to prevent illegal immigrants from collecting benefits. On this issue, 40 percent responded that the government was doing enough, while 38 percent said it was not.
In addition, polling showed strong public support for more oversight in employment practices. Among likely U.S. voters, 68% said they would support the use of federal E-Verify programs in their states to ensure employers hire workers with legal immigration status.
Respondents included 41 percent who strongly supported the measure and only 23 percent who would be opposed. Polling also revealed strong support for penalties on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Support for the federal government imposing penalties was 55 percent, with only 29 percent saying they would disagree with the policy.