A recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that a growing majority of Americans believe the United States is no longer a welcoming destination for immigrants. The survey, conducted in June 2025, underscores the profound impact of President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement policies on public perception.
Key Findings on Immigration Sentiment
Approximately six in 10 respondents stated that the US used to be a great place for immigrants but is no longer. Only about a quarter of adults still consider the country welcoming to newcomers, while one in ten believe it never was. The poll highlights a significant shift in attitudes since Trump returned to the White House and launched what he called the "largest deportation operation in US history."
Personal Impact of Enforcement
One-third of respondents reported that they or someone they knew had been personally affected by the administration's crackdown within the past year. Among Hispanic adults, this figure rose to about 60%. Nearly half of Hispanic respondents said they now carry proof of US citizenship or permanent residence out of fear of detention or deportation by federal immigration agencies.
Reid Gibson, a 72-year-old retiree from Missouri, expressed his dismay: "It's just plain wrong. This is not a good country for immigrants any more."
Violent Incidents and Public Reaction
The enforcement efforts have involved thousands of immigration agents, sometimes backed by the US military, conducting raids in several cities and states. These operations have occasionally turned violent. In Minneapolis, two unarmed US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot and killed by ICE or CBP officers during separate protests in January 2025.
Birthright Citizenship Debate
The poll also gauged opinions on birthright citizenship, which Trump has attempted to curtail via an executive order currently blocked by courts and under Supreme Court review. Overall, 65% of respondents believe all children born in the US should be entitled to citizenship regardless of their parents' status. However, support drops to 49% for children born to parents in the country illegally. The executive order would limit citizenship to those with at least one parent who is a citizen.
Demographic Differences
Democrats were more likely than independents or Republicans to know someone affected by the crackdown. Those with personal connections were more inclined to say the US is no longer a great place for immigrants. Kathy Bailey, a 79-year-old Illinois Democrat, described how two naturalized US citizens in her swim class now carry passports out of fear. "She's an American citizen now, but she's so scared that she has to carry her passport," Bailey said. "She's just another sweet old grandmother swimming at five in the morning."
Nick Grivas, a 40-year-old Massachusetts resident, reflected on his grandfather's immigration from Greece: "We can see how we're treating children and the children of the immigrants, and we're not viewing them as potential future Americans." He added that new arrivals might be deterred from investing in their communities if they fear deportation.
