Polls reveal a shift in the Democratic base’s views on immigration, posing challenges for President Biden and his party.
As the 2024 election looms, Democrats find themselves facing an unexpected challenge: growing concerns over immigration. The pro-immigration wave that Donald Trump inadvertently set in motion appears to be receding, even among the Democratic base. Recent polling data from New York and national surveys show a shift towards immigration skepticism, posing potential problems for President Biden and his party.
Shifting Views on Immigration:
A Siena College poll conducted in New York revealed surprising results, with nearly as many Democrats considering migrants over the past two decades as a “burden” (35 percent) rather than a “benefit” (37 percent). Furthermore, 75 percent of New York Democrats expressed concerns about the recent influx of migrants, with 47 percent considering it a “very serious” problem. Another notable finding was that 53 percent of New York Democrats believed that the state had already done enough for new migrants and should now work to slow the flow, while 41 percent supported accepting new migrants and assimilating them into New York.
National polls also indicate a shift in Democratic views on immigration. A Fox News poll revealed that a majority of Democrats were “very” concerned about border security, while another poll showed three-quarters of Democrats describing the situation at the southern border as either an “emergency” or a “major problem.” These figures represent a significant increase compared to early 2019. Additionally, Quinnipiac University polling showed disapproval of President Biden’s handling of immigration among 30 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of independents.
Support for Border Security and the Wall:
In recent polls, voters expressed greater support for Republicans on border security than on any other issue, with 59 percent favoring the GOP and 35 percent favoring Democrats. Even 22 percent of Democrats supported the GOP on this issue, marking the highest crossover support among a range of topics. NBC News polling also revealed an 18-point advantage for Republicans on immigration, the largest since 2006.
The issue of the border wall is particularly significant in highlighting the changing dynamics. While support for the wall remained in the 30s during Trump’s presidency, recent polls indicate majority support. A Quinnipiac poll showed 52 percent in favor of building the wall, while a Fox poll recorded 57 percent support, including 27 percent of Democrats. These figures represent a significant shift from previous years.
Democratic Concerns and Response:
Some Democratic leaders have begun expressing concerns about immigration. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticized the federal government’s handling of the issue and demanded more assistance for his state. Democratic mayors in cities like Chicago and New York have also voiced their concerns.
The Biden administration’s decision to continue building the border wall, despite Biden’s promise not to do so, has faced criticism from fellow Democrats and immigrant advocates. While the administration justified the move based on Congress’s appropriation of funds, the decision highlights the potential challenges Biden and his party may face on immigration-related issues.
Conclusion:
The shifting views on immigration within the Democratic base and the broader electorate indicate a growing skepticism towards immigration policies. The concerns raised by Democrats in New York and national polls pose challenges for President Biden and his party as they navigate the immigration landscape leading up to the 2024 election. The issue of the border wall, in particular, reflects the changing dynamics, with majority support emerging in recent polls. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Democrats will need to address these concerns and find a balance between their traditionally pro-immigration stance and the shifting sentiments of their base and the broader electorate.
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