Fact Check: "Immigrant citizens have become increasingly unfavorable in their views of those who are here illegally"
What We Know
Recent data indicates a complex landscape regarding American attitudes toward undocumented immigrants. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in early 2025 found that while a significant portion of the population (32%) believes all undocumented immigrants should be deported, a majority (51%) supports the deportation of only some individuals, particularly those who have committed violent crimes. This suggests a nuanced view rather than a blanket unfavorable stance towards all undocumented immigrants.
Moreover, a report titled Seven Facts on Immigration that Every American Should Know highlights that many Americans recognize the contributions of immigrants, including those without legal status, to the economy and society. The report states that a majority of Americans support pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants under certain conditions, indicating that while there may be concerns about illegal immigration, there is also a strong sentiment for inclusion and reform.
Analysis
The claim that "immigrant citizens have become increasingly unfavorable in their views of those who are here illegally" is supported by some data but lacks a comprehensive context. The Pew Research survey reveals that while there is a significant faction advocating for strict deportation policies, the majority of Americans do not support the deportation of all undocumented immigrants. This suggests a divide in opinion rather than an outright unfavorable view.
Furthermore, the Seven Facts on Immigration report emphasizes that many Americans appreciate the essential roles that immigrants play in the economy and community, which contrasts with the notion of a uniformly negative view. The report also points out that a large percentage of Americans support maintaining or increasing current immigration levels, which further complicates the narrative of growing unpopularity.
In evaluating the reliability of these sources, Pew Research is known for its rigorous methodology and representative sampling, making its findings credible. The report from the USC Dornsife College also draws on extensive data and research, providing a solid foundation for its claims. However, the interpretation of these findings can vary based on political and social biases, which should be considered when assessing public sentiment.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim is "Partially True." While there is evidence that some segments of the population hold unfavorable views towards undocumented immigrants, particularly in the context of crime, the broader sentiment includes significant support for pathways to citizenship and recognition of the contributions of immigrants. Therefore, the claim does not fully capture the complexity of public opinion on this issue.
