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Trump's Immigration Approval Plummets to Record Low

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. immigration-approval-plummets-to-record-low.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 10:38 GMT by U.S. News & World Report
      Locales: Washington, D.C., UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 18th, 2026 - A newly released Reuters/Ipsos poll paints a stark picture of declining public approval for former President Donald Trump's approach to immigration, hitting a record low just as he continues to feature the issue prominently in his current campaign. The survey, conducted between February 14th and 17th, 2026, reveals increasing anxieties among voters regarding his proposed policies and their potential consequences, particularly concerning the ongoing complexities at the southern border. The results suggest a significant erosion of support and present a potentially substantial hurdle for his future political aspirations.

The poll's headline figure shows approval for Trump's handling of immigration has dropped to a new low of 31%, a substantial decrease from the 42% recorded during his first term in office, and even lower than the 38% registered in a similar poll conducted six months ago. While maintaining strong support among his core base, the former president is demonstrably losing ground with independent voters and even some moderate Republicans, who express concerns about the practicality and potential ramifications of his more stringent proposals.

The survey delved deeper than simple approval ratings, probing voter sentiment on specific policy elements. Key findings indicate widespread skepticism towards Trump's revived proposals for mass deportations, even of long-term residents, and his rhetoric surrounding the construction of a fully sealed border wall. A majority of respondents expressed concerns about the economic impact of such policies, citing potential labor shortages in key sectors like agriculture and construction, as well as the logistical and financial burdens of large-scale deportations. The poll also highlighted anxieties regarding the humanitarian consequences, with a significant percentage of voters expressing disapproval of separating families and potentially creating a crisis at the border.

Demographic breakdowns reveal nuanced perspectives. Support for Trump's immigration policies remains strongest among older, white, rural voters - his traditional base. However, support plummets sharply among younger voters, voters of color, and those residing in urban areas. Crucially, the poll showed a growing number of suburban voters - often seen as key swing voters - are increasingly disinclined to support candidates advocating hardline immigration stances. This shift is particularly notable in battleground states like Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, where immigration has historically been a pivotal issue.

Political strategists are meticulously analyzing the poll's data to decipher the evolving public mood. Dr. Emily Carter, a political science professor at George Washington University, notes, "This isn't simply about being 'for' or 'against' stricter immigration control. It's about how those controls are implemented and what the broader consequences might be. Voters are becoming more sophisticated in their thinking and are demanding practical solutions, not just ideological pronouncements."

The timing of this poll is particularly significant. With the 2026 midterm elections fast approaching, the findings could have a considerable impact on campaign strategies. Democratic strategists are already leveraging the poll's results to frame Trump as out of touch with mainstream American values and to portray his policies as economically damaging and morally reprehensible. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign team is attempting to counter the narrative by emphasizing border security and highlighting perceived failures of the current administration. They are also working to galvanize his base by appealing to fears about illegal immigration and crime.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll employed a robust methodology, surveying over 4,000 registered voters nationwide. The sample was weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the U.S. population, ensuring a representative cross-section of views. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. The full report, including detailed methodology and cross-tabulations, is available on the Reuters website.

Beyond the immediate political implications, this poll underscores a growing national debate about the future of immigration in America. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to border security and immigration reform--one that addresses economic realities, humanitarian concerns, and the long-term interests of the nation. The challenge for both parties will be to articulate a vision for immigration that resonates with a public increasingly wary of simplistic solutions and demanding evidence-based policies.