According to this report, Republicans have been increasingly concerned about immigration since 2016, when Donald Trump entered the GOP primary race. Trump’s strong stance on immigration, including his support for the construction of a border wall and stricter enforcement, has influenced the views of both “Trump Republicans” and “non-Trump Republicans.” Both groups consider immigration a critical threat to the United States and support using the US military to prevent immigrants from crossing the southern border. However, there are significant differences between the two groups on legal immigration levels and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. Trump Republicans are more likely to view immigration as the most critical threat (88%) compared to non-Trump Republicans (67%). When it comes to legal immigration, two-thirds of Trump Republicans believe it should be decreased, while a slight plurality of non-Trump Republicans prefer to keep it at present levels. In terms of undocumented immigrants, non-Trump Republicans are more likely to support a path to citizenship, while Trump Republicans are more supportive of deportations. The report also highlights that Trump Republicans are more likely to view increasing diversity as making the United States a worse place to live (44% compared to 23% of non-Trump Republicans). In terms of policy proposals, all GOP presidential contenders, including Trump, have endorsed constructing a border wall and prioritizing the deportation of undocumented immigrants. They have also proposed ending birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized immigrants. All these proposals have found support among the Republican Party’s base. Finally, the report mentions that all GOP candidates have suggested sending the US military into Mexico to address immigration and combat drug cartels, with strong support from Republican Party supporters.
How Trump and Non-Trump Republicans Differ on Immigration Policy,
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, January 2024, 12 pp.
Authors: Dina Smeltz & Craig Kafura