Immigration Surges to Americans’ Top Concern for First Time in Five Years

The American people believe immigration is now the most important issue facing the country, according to a new Gallup poll which marks the first time since 2019 that respondents have identified immigration at their most pressing concern.

The survey, conducted from February 1-20, found that 28 percent of Americans believe immigration is the most important problem facing the country, an eight-point increase from the month prior. Government came in second behind immigration, with 20 percent of respondents agreeing that it is the most important problem facing the U.S. The economy and inflation trail immigration and government at 12 and 11 percent respectively.

A record-high 55 percent of adults believe immigration is a critical threat to U.S. interests, and eight point jump from last year. A whopping 90 percent of Republicans and 54 percent of independents view immigration as a critical threat compared to only 29 percent of Democrats. An additional 31 percent of Americans consider immigration an important but not critical threat, and 14 percent do not think immigration is an important or critical threat to U.S. interests.

Immigration was the only issue to shift significantly over the past month. It was last ranked at the top of Gallup’s most important issues list roughly five years ago due to concerns about a migrant caravan from Central America.

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