American support for immigration slipped over the past year but remains historically strong, according to Gallup polling released in July 2026 — a data point that offers useful context for prospective immigrants navigating an uncertain policy environment.
The survey found that 73% of U.S. adults believe immigration is a good thing for the country, down from a record-high 79% the prior year but still well above the readings recorded in the early 2000s and comfortably above the long-term trend. Just 21% said immigration is a bad thing. The poll was based on telephone interviews conducted June 1–15, 2026, with a random sample of roughly 1,001 adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The topline stability masks sharp partisan movement. Republicans positive view fell 14 percentage points to 50%, reversing much of a 25-point jump recorded a year earlier. Democrats held near a record high at 91%, and independents slipped seven points to 73%. In other words, the recent decline in overall support was driven largely by shifting Republican sentiment rather than a broad national turn against immigration.
Additional polling this summer reinforced the picture of a public that continues to see value in immigration even amid contentious enforcement debates. Separate surveys found solid majorities supporting pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants who meet specific requirements, and especially strong support — around 80% — for those brought to the country as children.
Why does public opinion matter to someone preparing an EB-2 National Interest Waiver or EB-1A petition? Sentiment shapes the political climate in which agencies set priorities, Congress weighs legislation, and future rulemaking unfolds. Durable majority support for immigration does not change todays eligibility rules or visa backlogs, but it signals that the long-term appetite for skilled and family immigration remains intact — a reassuring backdrop for applicants making multi-year plans.
For now, the practical guidance is unchanged: focus on building the strongest possible case on the merits. Policy and processing times will fluctuate, but a well-documented petition remains the best hedge against an unpredictable environment.
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Source: Gallup (web-verified)