10/5: Most Americans Oppose Deporting “Dreamers,” Parents

Most Americans, 83%, think “dreamers” should be allowed to remain in the United States. This includes nearly six in ten Americans, 58%, who think “dreamers” should be permitted to stay and become citizens and 25% who believe they should be granted legal residency but not citizenship. Only 12% of U.S. residents say “dreamers” should be deported.

Not surprisingly, there is a partisan divide. But, even 74% of Republicans, including a plurality — 42% — who say “dreamers” should be allowed to become citizens, oppose deportation. Most Democrats, 95%, and independents, 81%, say “dreamers” should be allowed to remain in the United States.

Among those who are most likely to favor the deportation of “dreamers” are those who supported Trump in the 2016 presidential election, 26%, “strong” Republicans, 25%, and those who identify as conservative or very conservative, 23%.

“As far as public opinion is concerned, there is little doubt where most Americans stand on this issue,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “The country is way ahead of its leadership in Washington, and the American people are waiting for those leaders to catch up.”

If “dreamers” are allowed to remain in the United States, there is also a good deal of support to allow their parents to stay. 74% of Americans think the parents of “dreamers” should remain, including 41%, who say they should be allowed to become U.S. citizens, and 33% who believe they should be permitted legal residency. One in five Americans, 20%, believe these individuals should be deported, and 6% are unsure.

Nearly six in ten Democrats, 59%, think parents of “dreamers” should be allowed to remain in the United States and become U.S. citizens, and another 33% want them to achieve legal residency. Although 58% of Republicans agree the parents of “dreamers” should be allowed to legally stay, 35% of Republicans believe they should be deported.

Complete October 5, 2017 PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll Release of the United States

Complete October 5, 2017 PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll of the United States Results and Methods