Headline: Immigration Tops Trump's Agenda as Americans Predict Mass Deportations

Alayaran.com, November 11, 2023 - A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, concluding on Thursday, reveals that immigration has emerged as the foremost issue Americans believe President-elect Donald Trump should tackle upon his inauguration on January 20. A significant 25% of respondents highlighted immigration as Trump's top priority for his first 100 days in office, overshadowing other concerns like income inequality (14%), taxes (12%), and healthcare.

The poll, which surveyed 1,471 adults across the nation, found that a staggering 82% of Americans anticipate Trump will initiate mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. This expectation spans across political lines, with similar sentiments shared among both Democrats and Republicans. However, the approach to these deportations remains a divisive topic:

• 82% of Democrats and 40% of independents expressed concern over the policy, fearing its implications and potential divisiveness.
• Conversely, 90% of Republicans showed no concern, supporting Trump's campaign promise to deport record numbers, with his running mate, JD Vance, estimating an annual removal of 1 million undocumented immigrants.

Trump's campaign rhetoric focused heavily on immigration, often citing crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants, despite research indicating that immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans. His administration plans involve a comprehensive crackdown, potentially involving military, diplomatic efforts, and cooperation with Republican-led states, using federal funding as leverage.

Policy Implications and Public Opinion:

• 58% of Republicans supported the idea of detaining undocumented immigrants in camps during deportation proceedings, a notion opposed by 75% of Democrats.
• Trump has hinted at employing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite the deportation of alleged gang members, a move likely to face legal challenges.

Advocates for immigrants have voiced strong opposition, warning that such policies could be costly, divisive, and inhumane. Trump, in a recent interview with NBC News, dismissed cost concerns, emphasizing the necessity of his deportation plans, stating, "It’s not a question of a price tag. It’s not — really, we have no choice."

This poll, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points overall and 5 points for political affiliations, underscores the deep divisions and high expectations surrounding Trump's immigration policies as he prepares to take office.