Poll Finds One-Third of Americans Know Someone Affected by Immigration Enforcement

A new poll reports that a majority of U.S. adults believe the country is no longer a great place for immigrants. The survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that approximately six in ten Americans hold this view.

It also found that about one-third of adults report that they or someone they know has altered daily life over the past year because of immigration concerns. These changes include carrying proof of immigration status or citizenship, experiencing detention or deportation, changing travel plans, or modifying routines such as avoiding work, school or leaving home.

The figure rises to more than half among Hispanic adults. Democrats are more likely than independents or Republicans to report knowing someone affected, and those with a personal connection are more likely to say the U.S. is no longer a great place for immigrants.

The poll results were released as the Supreme Court hears arguments on the administration's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship. The policy would hold that children born to parents in the country illegally or temporarily are not U.S. citizens.

The survey found that about two-thirds of U.S. adults support automatic citizenship for all children born in the country.

Support for birthright citizenship stands at 44 percent among Republicans, lower than among Democrats and independents. Some adults support the principle generally but hold different views when presented with specific circumstances. Approximately six in ten U.S. adults support automatic citizenship for children born to parents on legal tourist visas, while about half support it for those born to parents in the country illegally.

Support rises to 75 percent for children born to parents on legal work visas, with Republican support increasing in that scenario. Roughly three in ten U.S. adults still consider the country a great place for immigrants. About one in ten believe it never was.

The poll indicates the sentiment that the U.S. is no longer a great place for immigrants is more common among Democrats, independents and those born outside the U.S. The findings come after months of immigration enforcement actions and mass deportations.

The Associated Press-NORC Center conducted the survey amid these developments.