A majority of Americans support deporting all illegal migrants, according to a new national survey conducted by The Harris Poll and HarrisX in partnership with Harvard University.
The Feb. 26–28 poll of 1,999 registered voters found that 57 percent favor sending all illegal migrants back to their home countries. Support was strongest among Republicans, at 79 percent, and independents, at 54 percent. Among Democrats, 35 percent backed mass deportations.
The findings come amid ongoing political battles over immigration enforcement, with opposition from many Democratic lawmakers, immigration advocacy groups, and segments of the media. Despite that resistance, the poll suggests that deportation policies retain majority support nationally.
The survey also showed 63 percent of respondents support legislation that would bar illegal migrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses. Support for that proposal was lower among Democrats, at 40 percent.
At the same time, the poll revealed ambivalence about some enforcement methods. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they oppose hiring an additional 20,000 Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to conduct immigration raids and enforcement operations across the country. The results indicate that while many voters support stricter immigration outcomes, they are less supportive of highly visible or large-scale enforcement expansions.
Federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice have increased worksite enforcement and administrative audits as part of broader immigration efforts. According to reporting by The Washington Post, Homeland Security Investigations recently sent compliance letters to more than 100 restaurants in Washington, D.C., reviewing hiring records for potential immigration violations. Some restaurant owners reported losing significant portions of their staff following the audits.
Business and economic observers are also watching the labor market impact of stricter enforcement. Industry outlet Restaurant Business Online reported in January that reduced labor supply in the restaurant sector could push wages higher as employers compete for workers. According to projections from Oxford Economics, restaurant wages are expected to rise from 3.7 percent growth this year to 5.6 percent by 2027.
Supporters of tougher immigration policies argue that enforcement can ease pressure on housing markets and boost wages for American workers. Critics counter that large-scale deportations could disrupt industries reliant on immigrant labor.
Broader workforce concerns remain. Reporting by The Atlantic has highlighted the potential impact of artificial intelligence and globalization on white-collar employment, raising questions about long-term labor market shifts beyond immigration policy alone.
As immigration continues to dominate national debate, the poll underscores both strong public support for enforcement and persistent divisions over how the federal government should go about carrying it out.
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