Border crisis triggers dissatisfaction with immigration situation

The border crisis is one of Americans' greatest concerns. According to a Gallup poll, citizens' satisfaction with the immigration situation dropped six points compared to 2022, from 34% to 28% in January. On the other hand, more than six out of 10 respondents (63%) expressed dissatisfaction with the current immigration situation, five points higher than last year (58%).

The percentage of those who are satisfied with the immigration situation has not reached levels this low since 2012. The highest level of the last 23 years was achieved in 2017 (41%), and 2008 saw immigration satisfaction at its lowest point (23%).

Within the disgruntled group, 40% call for a lower level immigration. On the other hand, 8% are dissatisfied because they want to see an increase in the number of immigrants coming to U.S. soil.

These numbers coincide with an unprecedented crisis at the border. Since Biden has been president, more than 5 million immigrants have crossed the border. Last fiscal year (from September 2021 to September 2022), more than two million immigrants entered the United States illegally. These figures have caused leaders of several states to describe the situation as a border invasion.

The problem of illegal immigration is compounded by crime. The close of fiscal year 2022 revealed the seizure of unprecedented quantities of the lethal drugs and an increase in the number of dangerous criminals attempting to enter the country.

Democratic Party voters also call for changes in immigration policy

Sorted by political party, 71% of Republicans are dissatisfied and demand that the number of immigrants decrease. In the last two years, this figure has been steadily increasing (40% in 2021 and 69% in 2022).

On the other side of the political spectrum, just 19% of Democrats call for less immigration. This figure represents a considerable increase compared to 2022, when it was only 11%. In 2021, it was 2%.

The increase in dissatisfaction is most noticeable among those who are self-employed. Thirty-six percent demand a decrease in the number of immigrants, almost double the number in 2022 (19%).