New survey reveals a surprising shift in how Americans view immigration - and Trump’s role in it

Nearly a year into Donald Trump’s second term, Americans’ views on immigration are shifting in ways few expected.

During his campaign, President Trump promised what he called the largest deportation effort in U.S. history — a pledge that energized much of his base and helped secure his return to the White House. But now, as mass deportations unfold, a growing number of Americans are questioning whether immigration is really the threat it was once made out to be.

Poll finds a sharp rise in support for immigrants

According to an Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, more Americans today see immigrants as a “major” benefit to the United States.

In 2024, only four in ten respondents said immigrants contributed greatly to the country. That number has now climbed to six in ten, representing a striking nearly 40% shift overall.

Respondents cited the economic contributions of immigrants as one of their most valued impacts. “[They] provide a lot to the economy of the United States,” said Carlos Gonzalez, a Democratic voter speaking to the L.A. Times. “A lot of people don’t realize that when they do come over here, they try to enrich the country and not take away from it.”

What the poll actually measured

It’s worth noting that the survey focused specifically on legal immigrants, not those without documentation. Still, both groups make up a critical part of the American workforce.

Where immigrants make the biggest impact

Data from the Mexican government and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show how deeply immigrants are woven into essential industries:

• 51% of workers in dairy farms and meat-processing plants are of Mexican origin.
• Immigrants make up 20% of the labor force in manufacturing and agriculture.
• They represent 15% of workers in education and healthcare, including 28% of health aides.
• In construction, one in four workers are immigrants.
• And in farm work, the figure soars to 54.3%.

Overall, immigrants — including those without legal status — now account for 18.6% of the U.S. workforce.

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