Staff Reports
In recent months, immigration has become a major worry for many Americans, based on the most recent Gallup survey. This marks the first time in over twenty years that immigration has been at the top of the list for three months in a row. The attention on immigration has grown as the U.S. southern border experiences a high number of people trying to enter the country, drawing attention to immigration policies and actions.
Originally tied with government issues in December 2023, immigration quickly rose to the top concern, especially after the number of encounters with migrants at the southern border reached record highs. Despite a failed attempt by the U.S. Senate to address the situation in a bipartisan manner, immigration has remained at the top of the list of concerns. While immigration has appeared on Gallup’s list of most pressing issues numerous times since 2000, it has not held the top spot for consecutive months until this year. This shift in focus highlights both the increased urgency and division among Americans on the issue.
Immigration named top U.S. problem for third straight month in Gallup pollhttps://t.co/H0PNlsuS90 pic.twitter.com/2YCStBV2ID
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 2, 2024
It is noticeable that the priority given to immigration differs significantly among Republicans, Democrats, and independents. The latest poll reveals that 48% of Republicans see immigration as the top concern, compared to 25% of independents and 8% of Democrats. This reflects a deep divide in how different segments of the American population view the issue. The economy has traditionally been the most prominent issue, topping the list in over 100 surveys in the past 24 years, followed closely by governmental concerns and the Iraq War. However, the recent prominence of immigration highlights the evolving concerns within the American populace.
