TRUMP’S APPROVAL ON IMMIGRATION FALLS TO LOWEST LEVEL OF HIS TERM, REUTERS/IPSOS POLL FINDS
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating on immigration has dropped to its lowest point during his time in office, according to a new poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos. The survey, released this week, shows that only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of immigration policy — a sharp decline from previous months and a significant shift in public sentiment on an issue that was once central to his political brand.
The decline in approval comes amid heightened national attention on controversial immigration measures, including family separations at the border, aggressive deportation raids, and new asylum restrictions. Public backlash has intensified following widespread media coverage of overcrowded migrant detention facilities, reports of inhumane conditions, and legal challenges to Trump-era policies that remain influential among Republican lawmakers and immigration officials.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll, which surveyed over 1,000 American adults, reveals that 54% disapprove of Trump’s approach to immigration, while 10% remain undecided. Notably, even among self-identified Republicans, support for Trump’s immigration policies has slipped, with approval falling to 78%, down from over 85% earlier in his presidency. Among independents, only 29% expressed approval — a warning sign for Trump as he eyes a return to the White House in the 2024 election.
Analysts suggest that the latest dip in support may be tied to ongoing legal and ethical controversies surrounding immigration enforcement. Recent court rulings have struck down elements of Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy and Title 42 public health expulsions, while human rights groups continue to criticize the lasting effects of his administration’s zero-tolerance policies, particularly the trauma inflicted on migrant children separated from their families.
Another factor contributing to the drop may be the political polarization of the immigration issue. While Trump continues to portray himself as the candidate of “strong borders,” critics argue that his policies have emphasized cruelty over effectiveness. The visual impact of migrant camps and viral footage of border encounters has galvanized both activists and moderate voters who view the administration’s tactics as overly harsh or mismanaged.
The Biden administration, while also struggling with record numbers of border crossings, has attempted to strike a different tone on immigration, emphasizing humanitarian relief and legal pathways to citizenship. However, the legacy of Trump’s policies continues to shape the national debate, and his hardline stance remains popular with many conservative voters — particularly in border states.
Political strategists warn that Trump’s slipping numbers on immigration could hurt his broader campaign efforts, especially in swing states where suburban and independent voters are more moderate on immigration issues. “Trump’s base may still be with him, but he’s losing ground with the middle,” said political analyst Jennifer McCallister. “If he hopes to win a general election, he needs to convince undecided voters that his approach is more than just rhetoric and crackdowns.”
In response to the poll, Trump’s campaign has dismissed the findings as “biased” and “irrelevant,” insisting that the former president’s record on immigration is one of “success and strength.” However, with public opinion shifting and legal battles mounting, the issue of immigration — once a pillar of Trump’s political identity — may now represent one of his most significant vulnerabilities.