The majority of US voters believe that border security is the most crucial issue Congress should focus on, according to a recent poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies. 57% of voters prioritize “border reform legislation” above all other issues. A plurality of 42% support securing borders and ports, while 36% prefer establishing clear and predictable rules for the immigration system. The trust of voters in Border Patrol agents, local law enforcement officials, and border region residents is high on immigration issues, with 73% expressing trust in Border Patrol agents.
Despite the strong focus on border security, the poll also revealed that President Biden is leading former President Trump by two percentage points, 45%-43%, with 12% of voters undecided. However, Trump is ahead of Biden by one percentage point in the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate poll. Additionally, a significant 74% of respondents feel the country is on the wrong track, with only 26% believing it is moving in the right direction. Approval ratings for President Biden are low, with only 41% of voters approving of his job performance, and 59% disapproving. Among independents, only 33% approve of Biden’s work.
The generic congressional ballot is evenly split between the two parties at 42% each, with 16% of voters undecided. Both President Biden and former President Trump have unfavorable views among voters, with 59% holding an unfavorable view of Trump and 41% approving of Biden’s job performance. Members of Congress also have low favorability ratings, with Republicans 24 percentage points underwater (35% favorable to 59% unfavorable) and Democrats 15 points below par (40% favorable to 55% unfavorable).
The poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies surveyed 1,000 registered voters between April 8-11, with a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.53 percentage points. Overall, illegal immigration and border security ranked as a top-two issue for 27% of voters, trailing only inflation at 39% and ahead of the economy and jobs at 25%. Despite the high priority placed on border security, voters expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, low approval ratings for President Biden, former President Trump, and members of Congress. The trust in Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement officials highlights the importance of immigration issues to the American public.
