A new poll conducted by Redfield and Wilton for Newsweek reveals that some Americans who voted for President Joe Biden in the last presidential election miss former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The poll found that 38 percent of Biden voters support the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, while 67 percent of Trump voters support the idea, and 54 percent of all respondents do as well. Border security expert Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera attributes this surprising support for a border wall among Democrats to the influence of conservative fear-mongering on the issue. During Trump’s presidency, 458 miles of the border wall were built, with the majority replacing existing barriers, and upon taking office, Biden ordered a pause on all border wall construction.
The issue of immigration has posed challenges for Biden’s presidency, with Republicans criticizing the administration for relaxing the strict policies enacted under Trump. The surge in migrants crossing into the U.S. from the southern border has further complicated Biden’s re-election efforts. The poll found that 65 percent of Americans believe the U.S. is facing a migrant crisis and 58 percent do not think the nation has control over its southern border. Correa-Cabrera criticizes Biden for being reactive rather than proactive in addressing the influx of migrants. Political science professor Peter Skerry suggests that immigration will be a dominant issue in the 2024 election, and unless the Biden administration implements drastic policy changes, border crossings are likely to remain a significant concern.
Correa-Cabrera recommends that Biden counter the prevailing narrative on immigration by taking a similar position to the one he held during his 2020 campaign, emphasizing the importance of framing the issue differently. Skerry stresses the need for all presidential candidates to prioritize immigration in their campaigns. The Redfield and Wilton poll, conducted in late March with a sample size of 1,500 eligible U.S. voters, highlights the significance of immigration as a voting issue. Correa-Cabrera predicts that if no major events intervene, immigration will remain a central issue in the upcoming election, with the Biden administration facing pressure to implement effective policy initiatives to address the ongoing challenges at the southern border.
In conclusion, the poll results indicate a surprising level of support for a border wall among Biden voters, reflecting broader concerns about immigration and border security. The Biden administration’s handling of the immigration issue has faced criticism for being reactive rather than proactive, with calls for more decisive policy initiatives. As the 2024 election approaches, it is likely that immigration will continue to be a key issue for voters, underscoring the importance of effective strategies and messaging from political leaders on both sides of the aisle. The Redfield and Wilton poll offers insights into public opinion on immigration and highlights the potential impact of this issue on future elections.
