The American public’s perception of the immigration system has deteriorated under President Joe Biden’s leadership, according to a Morning Consult survey released this past week.
Forty-seven percent of voters believe that the immigration system has worsened, compared to 40 percent in March 2021. Eighty-two percent of Republicans and slightly more than half of independent voters have the same opinion.
Only 20 percent of voters believe that the immigration system has improved under Biden’s leadership, a figure largely driven by Democratic voters.
Compared to two years ago, 44 percent of voters now believe that the immigration system made strides during the Trump administration, whereas only 32 percent think that it has worsened, indicating an 8 percentage point decline since the 2021 survey.
Although the 47-percent disapproval rating is an improvement from the 56-percent disapproval rating at the start of the year, it remains a vulnerability as Biden prepares for re-election.
Nearly half of voters trust Trump on immigration, compared to 39 percent for Biden, and even Ron DeSantis is seen as more trustworthy.
The Biden administration has attempted to address negative perceptions by portraying itself as more vigilant on illegal immigration, in part by considering family detention after the Title 42 public-health emergency lapses next month.
Similarly, Republicans in Congress have more of the public’s confidence than their Democratic rivals, and they continue to criticize the current administration’s approach.
Despite Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas hailing Biden’s immigration strategy during a recent congressional testimony, voters continue to show lack confidence in the president’s immigration policies.
