Americans hold complex and often contradictory views on what should happen to undocumented immigrants. This has become a point of heated debate. This is especially true as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to ramp up mass deportations. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in August 2024 found that while a significant portion of U.S. adults are concerned about illegal immigration, most still think undocumented immigrants should have a path to legal status. This is provided they meet certain criteria.
According to the Pew survey, around three-quarters of Americans express some level of concern about the number of immigrants entering the country illegally. A majority support enforcing mass deportation. Yet, despite this, most Americans (64%) also believe that undocumented immigrants should have a way to stay in the U.S. legally, provided they meet certain conditions. This dual sentiment shows a nuanced approach to immigration issues. Many Americans support both deportation and a legal status path.
SUPPORT FOR DEPORTATION AND LEGAL STATUS
Interestingly, even among those who support mass deportations, a significant portion—43%—believes in some degree of compassion. They think undocumented immigrants should have a way to stay in the country legally. This highlights a split opinion. Many individuals believe in enforcing the law. They also acknowledge the humanitarian aspects of immigration policy.
Certain demographic groups are more to support a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants. Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults overwhelmingly believe that immigrants should have a way to stay in the U.S. legally, with white adults more evenly divided on the issue. Younger Americans are also more likely to support such a path to legal status. This is particularly true for those between the ages of 18 and 29. They are more supportive compared to older generations.
POLITICAL AFFILIATION AND IMMIGRATION VIEWS
The survey also revealed that political affiliation plays a significant role in shaping views on immigration. Supporters of Kamala Harris were more likely than Trump supporters to say undocumented immigrants should have a way to stay legally in the U.S. This underscores the polarizing nature of immigration policy and how partisan politics influence public opinion on the issue.
DECLINING SUPPORT FOR LEGAL STATUS PATHWAY
A majority of Americans still favor a legal status pathway for undocumented immigrants. Nonetheless, support for this stance has declined over time. In 2020, 75% of Americans supported a way for undocumented immigrants to stay legally. Yet, that number has since dropped to 64%. In contrast, more Americans now believe undocumented immigrants should not be allowed to stay. This share increased from 24% in 2020 to 35% in 2024.
CONDITIONS FOR LEGAL STATUS: BACKGROUND CHECKS AND EMPLOYMENT
Among those who support allowing undocumented immigrants to stay legally, there is significant agreement on certain requirements. The most popular condition is a security background check, with 79% of Americans saying this should be a necessity. 52% also believe that undocumented immigrants should need to have a job to stay. Meanwhile, 39% think employment should be considered but not required.
There is less consensus on other conditions, like the payment of a fine. While 25% say a fine should be a necessity, 37% think it should be considered, and 35% oppose it altogether.
CITIZENSHIP OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY?
Among those who support a legal pathway for undocumented immigrants, 60% say these individuals should be eligible to apply for citizenship. This can happen after they meet the requirements. Yet, 39% believe they should only be eligible to apply for permanent residency but not citizenship. These figures reveal that while Americans generally support legal status for undocumented immigrants, opinions differ greatly on the rights and privileges those immigrants should receive.
REASONS AGAINST ALLOWING IMMIGRANTS TO STAY
Those who oppose allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. cite several reasons, with the most common being that it is unfair to those who entered the country legally and that it rewards individuals who have broken the law.
- 86% believe a major reason against allowing undocumented immigrants to stay is that people should not be rewarded for breaking the law.
- 81% say it’s unfair to immigrants who entered legally.
- 76% argue that undocumented immigrants take away resources from American citizens.
THE GROWTH OF THE UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANT POPULATION
The unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. has been steadily growing, from 10.2 million in 2019 to 11 million in 2022. This increase marks the first sustained rise in the population in more than a decade. The population includes more than 3 million immigrants. They have temporary protection from deportation and the legal right to stay in the country. This includes those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Yet, many of these immigrants be at risk of deportation if immigration policies change.
The increase in unauthorized immigrants with temporary protection reflects a broader trend in immigration data. It shows a significant rise since mid-2022.
A DIVISIVE AND EVOLVING ISSUE
As U.S. immigration policy continues to evolve, the debate over what should happen to undocumented immigrants remains deeply divisive. While many Americans support mass deportation, there is widespread agreement on the need for a legal pathway for those who meet certain conditions. This complex issue will continue to shape the nation’s political landscape and affect millions of lives.
