Concerns about immigration, and its impact on crime and taxes, have soared to the highest level ever, according to a new survey.
Gallup said that more Americans than ever before cited immigration as their top concern in the latest poll.
“Americans’ concern with immigration continues to be heightened, as 23% name it the most important problem facing the country. This is by one percentage point the highest Gallup has ever measured for the issue since it first began recording mentions of immigration in 1993,” said the polling outfit.
The results come as Washington grapples with an explosion of illegal immigration on the U.S.-Mexico border and as President Trump attempts to work a deal with Democrats to calm the situation. Congress is ready to OK a $4.6 billion humanitarian package to improve conditions at the border.
Gallup found that while Americans are worried about the issue, they have a mixed view of immigrants.
For example, they cite crime and taxes as one of the top reasons they are negative on immigration. But they also said that immigrants are good for the economy.
And they disagree on the levels of immigration into the United States. Said Gallup, “Asked their preferences for U.S. immigration levels, 37% of Americans say it should be kept at its present level, while more say it should be decreased (35%) than increased (27%).”
Concerns about the government remain the top problem cited by Americans, but only by three points, a drop of 9 points since February.
