Public Disapproval for Trump's Immigration Policies Reaches 62% Amid Intensified Crackdown

Public sentiment regarding the Trump administration's approach to immigration has shifted, with recent polls indicating significant disapproval of its hardline policies. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, highlighted this trend, stating on social media that "The 'will of the American people' is against what Trump is doing at a 2-1 ratio. Just 35% of the public approves of his handling of immigration." This perspective is reinforced by multiple recent surveys conducted in June and July 2025.

Since returning to office, the Trump administration has embarked on an intensified immigration crackdown, fulfilling campaign promises for mass deportations and stricter border enforcement. These actions have included increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workplace raids, the suspension of most asylum applications, and the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of several countries. Such measures aim to reduce unauthorized immigration and reshape the nation's immigration landscape.

However, a Gallup survey released in July 2025 found that 62% of respondents disapprove of President Trump's handling of immigration, with only 36% expressing approval. This poll also revealed a record high of 79% of U.S. adults now believe immigration is a "good thing" for the country, a 15-point increase from the previous year. Support for mass deportations has declined to 38%, down from 47% in 2024, and backing for expanding the U.S.-Mexico border wall also dropped to 45%.

Further data from a June 2025 Pew Research Center survey indicates that while the administration's overall approach to immigration sees 42% approval against 47% disapproval, specific policies face stronger opposition. For instance, 60% of Americans disapprove of the suspension of most asylum applications, 59% disapprove of ending TPS for many immigrants, and 54% disapprove of increasing ICE raids on workplaces. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from the same period showed Trump's immigration approval at 44%, with 49% disapproval.

David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, characterized the Gallup findings as an "absolute bloodbath" for the administration, noting the significant drop in support for immigration reduction. Despite public concern over unauthorized immigration, which 63% of Reuters/Ipsos respondents cited, the intensified enforcement tactics appear to be alienating a broad segment of the American public. This suggests a growing divergence between the public's desire for border security and its rejection of the administration's methods.