WASHINGTON — A majority of Americans now believe the United States has lost its reputation as a welcoming destination for immigrants, according to new polling data from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The survey of more than 2,500 adults nationwide reveals that approximately 60% of respondents think America was once a favorable place for immigrants to settle but no longer holds that distinction. Roughly one-third of those polled — including more than half of Hispanic respondents — report that either they or someone in their circle has begun carrying citizenship documentation, faced detention or removal proceedings, altered travel arrangements, or modified daily activities like attending work or school due to immigration status concerns within the past year.
These findings emerge as the nation’s highest court weighs whether the current administration can limit automatic citizenship for children born on U.S. soil, following months of intensified immigration enforcement operations and large-scale deportation efforts.
Reid Gibson, a 72-year-old retired Missouri resident who identifies as politically independent, expressed strong criticism of current immigration policies. Gibson remains hopeful that the country will eventually return to more welcoming practices, though he fears “it may take many years to reverse the damage that the Trump administration has inflicted” through its approach.
Gibson’s concerns extend to his own family. His stepdaughter now carries her passport regularly due to worries that her appearance might make her a target during enforcement actions.
“It’s just plain wrong,” Gibson stated. “This is not a good country for immigrants anymore.”
The polling data indicates that Americans have modified their behavior in response to increased enforcement activities over the past year, as the administration has expanded detention operations while pursuing what officials describe as the nation’s largest deportation campaign.
Survey results show Democrats are more likely than Republicans or independents to personally know someone affected by these policies, and individuals with such connections are more inclined to view America as no longer immigrant-friendly.
Kathy Bailey, a 79-year-old Illinois Democrat, has witnessed these policy impacts firsthand at her local swimming facility. Two regular participants in her swim class — both naturalized American citizens — now bring their passports whenever they leave home. Bailey noted that one participant, originally from Latin America, feels particularly vulnerable in their predominantly white community.
“She’s an American citizen now, but she’s so scared that she has to carry her passport,” Bailey explained. “She’s just another sweet old grandmother swimming at 5 in the morning.”
Hispanic adults report significantly higher rates of personal impact, with approximately 60% saying they or someone they know has experienced enforcement-related effects, compared to much lower percentages among Black or white adults.
“This is terrible for these women!” Bailey exclaimed. “I’m just stunned at what we are coming to.”
Nick Grivas, a 40-year-old Massachusetts resident, draws connections between current policies and his own family history, recalling his grandfather’s journey from Greece to America. This personal background influences his belief that the United States has ceased being a land of opportunity for newcomers.
“We can see how we’re treating children and the children of the immigrants, and we’re not viewing them as potential future Americans,” Grivas observed.
The polling shows roughly 30% of adults still consider America a great destination for immigrants, while approximately 10% believe it never was. The view that America has lost its immigrant-friendly status is more prevalent among Democrats, independents, and foreign-born residents.
Grivas, who identifies as a Democrat, worries that restrictive federal policies could harm the country by discouraging newcomers from establishing roots in their communities, particularly when their long-term residence remains uncertain.
“You’re less willing to commit to the project if you don’t think that you’re gonna be able to stay,” he explained.
The Supreme Court recently heard arguments regarding President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship by declaring that children born to unauthorized or temporary residents would not automatically receive American citizenship.
About two-thirds of poll respondents support automatic citizenship for all children born within U.S. borders, a position backed by most Democrats and independents. Republican support is lower at 44%. The survey also reveals some conflicted views, with respondents supporting birthright citizenship in general while opposing it under certain specific conditions.
Linda Steele, a 70-year-old Florida Republican, opposes automatic citizenship, believing only children of American citizens should receive it. Steele argues that foreign nationals residing legally in the United States — whether for employment or education — should not be able to have children who automatically become citizens.
“That shouldn’t be allowed,” she said. “They’re just here visiting or going to school.”
When presented with specific scenarios, about 60% of adults support birthright citizenship for children born to parents holding legal tourist visas, while only half support it for those born to unauthorized residents. Support increases to 75% for children born to parents with legal work visas, with much of this additional backing coming from Republicans who find this situation more acceptable.
Kevin Craig, a 57-year-old from Wilmington, North Carolina, who leans conservative, opposes automatic citizenship grants. Craig believes there should be “at least some opportunity for intervention by a human being who can make some sort of a judgment.”
However, he added: “I think my personal opinion is that I can’t think of a situation where it would not be granted.”
The AP-NORC survey of 2,596 adults was conducted April 16-20 using NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, designed to represent the U.S. population. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
