Immigration named top U.S. problem for third straight month in Gallup poll

Immigration has emerged as the leading concern among Americans, according to findings from Gallup’s latest survey.

For three consecutive months, immigration has been named the most important problem facing the United States, the first time the issue has been cited as No. 1 three times in a row in more than two decades, according to data collected in an April 1-22 Gallup survey.

The concern comes as the U.S. southern border is witnessing high numbers of migrants seeking entry, drawing national focus toward immigration policies and measures.

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Notably, immigration was tied with government issues in December 2023 as the top concern, following record migrant encounters at the southern border. By February, amid a failed bipartisan measure in the U.S. Senate aimed at addressing the situation, immigration had surpassed other issues and has maintained its place as the top concern.

Immigration has surfaced on Gallup’s list of most important problems facing the nation several times since 2000 but has not held the top position for consecutive months until this year. While immigration’s significance in the public eye has fluctuated, other concerns such as the state of the economy, governmental issues, the Iraq War, inflation, COVID-19, unemployment and terrorism have dominated American concerns more frequently in Gallup’s monthly updates since March 2001.

Of these, the economy has often been the forefront issue, topping the list in more than 100 surveys in the last 24 years, followed closely by governmental concerns and the Iraq War. However, immigration’s recent prominence reflects both a growing urgency and division among the American populace.

There is a stark contrast in priority given to the immigration issue among Republicans, Democrats and independents. The latest poll shows that 48% of Republicans view immigration as the top concern, compared to 25% of independents and 8% of Democrats.