U.S. Public Opinion on Immigration Reaches Record High 79% Positive

Washington, D.C. – A recent Gallup poll reveals that a record-high 79% of U.S. adults now consider immigration a "good thing" for the country, marking the highest level of positive sentiment ever recorded by the organization. Conversely, only 17% view immigration as a "bad thing," representing a historic low. This significant shift in public opinion reverses a four-year trend of increasing concern about immigration that began in 2021.

The poll, conducted by Gallup between June 2 and June 26, 2025, indicates a substantial change from the previous year. In 2024, the percentage of Americans who wanted immigration reduced stood at 55%, a figure that has now dropped sharply to 30%. This shift brings sentiment back to levels observed in 2021, before the rise in desire for less immigration.

The surge in positive views is notably driven by a marked increase in support among Republicans and, to a lesser extent, independents. While Democrats have consistently held a highly positive perspective on immigration, the recent data shows their belief that immigration is beneficial also reaching a record high of 91%. This broad-based shift across political affiliations underscores a significant change in the national discourse.

Accompanying this trend, support for pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants has also risen, now favored by 78% of Americans, up from 70% last year. Concurrently, there has been a decline in support for more stringent border enforcement measures, such as increasing Border Patrol agents and expanding the U.S.-Mexico border wall. This suggests a broader softening of hard-line stances.

Gallup's analysis attributes these shifts, in part, to a sharp decrease in illegal border crossings this year. The perceived abatement of border concerns appears to have influenced public attitudes, leading to a more favorable view of immigration and a reduced desire for stricter enforcement policies. The findings suggest a return to more pro-immigrant views that could influence future policy debates.