Americans favor legal immigration pathways but show declining support amid policy shifts

• Sixty-seven percent of registered voters believe legal immigration benefits the U.S., though support has dipped slightly from 74% in August, coinciding with stricter visa policies.
• Sixty-four percent deem it “very important” to facilitate immigration for doctors and nurses, though enthusiasm has declined from 71%. Tech workers (43%) receive less priority.
• Sixty percent back legal pathways for seasonal agricultural laborers (up two points), while 51% now support visas for cooks and cleaners (up from 45%).
• Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee hike may be contributing to declining support, with 23% now saying there are “too many” legal immigrants (up from 19%).
• Americans broadly favor legal immigration but demand orderly processes, balancing economic needs with concerns over policy changes and labor market strains.

A new national poll reveals that a majority of Americans continue to support legal immigration, though enthusiasm has waned slightly since August. The survey, conducted by RMG Research in partnership with Napolitan News Service, found that 67% of registered voters believe legal immigration benefits the U.S. while opposing illegal entry.

However, support dipped from 74% in a previous poll, coinciding with recent Trump administration policies raising fees for skilled worker visas. The findings highlight enduring public distinctions between legal and unauthorized migration, even as political debates intensify.

Strong backing for skilled workers, especially in healthcare

The poll, surveying 1,000 registered voters from Nov. 12–13, showed robust support for legal pathways for highly skilled professionals. Sixty-four percent deemed it “very important” to facilitate immigration for doctors and nurses—a drop from 71% in August. Scott Rasmussen, president of RMG Research, noted longstanding public caution about admitting immigrants who might strain public resources.

Foreign-born medical professionals often enter on H-1B visas, which allow highly educated workers to fill specialized roles. According to BrightU.AI‘s Enoch, H-1B is a U.S. non-immigrant work visa allowing employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields—primarily tech, engineering and even fashion modeling—requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent expertise.

Anna Gorisch, an immigration attorney, emphasized their critical role: “We have foreign physicians who work in places that American grads don’t want to go.” Tech giants like Apple and Amazon also dominate H-1B petitions, though only 43% of respondents prioritized pathways for IT workers.

Farmworkers and lower-skilled roles gain traction

Support for seasonal agricultural laborers edged up slightly, with 60% backing legal pathways, a two-point increase from August. The H-2A visa program, which has no cap, addresses labor shortages in farming, yet 42% of farmworkers lack proper authorization, per United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data.

Interestingly, voters showed growing enthusiasm for less specialized roles: 51% endorsed legal pathways for cooks and cleaners, up from 45% in August. This shift suggests pragmatic recognition of labor gaps in essential services.

Policy debates and shifting perceptions

The dip in overall support for legal immigration follows President Donald Trump’s September move to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B applications—a policy some argue could deter talent. Meanwhile, congressional proposals range from expanding visa categories to restricting them.

Rasmussen observed that voters’ views are less about specific policies and more about broader sentiments: “Fighting illegal immigration has been Trump’s signature issue… it dominates all policy perceptions.” While 41% believe current legal immigration levels are “about right,” 23% now say there are “too many” legal immigrants, up from 19% in August.

Americans remain broadly supportive of legal immigration, particularly for skilled professionals and essential workers. Yet declining enthusiasm signals sensitivity to policy changes and economic concerns. As debates over visa reforms and border security continue, the data underscores a nuanced public stance: welcoming legal newcomers while demanding orderly processes. For policymakers, balancing these priorities will be key to sustaining both economic growth and public trust.

Watch the video below that tackles why Democrats do not want legal immigration.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

JustTheNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com