By Donald Trump’s hardline immigration stance—long a lightning rod in American politics—is now yielding political rewards. Recent polling shows a dramatic shift: Trump’s net approval on immigration, underwater by 21 points in mid-2017, has now flipped to a narrow positive. CNN’s Harry Enten flagged the change as more than statistical noise—it’s a sign that Trump’s immigration strategy is landing with a restless electorate.
The numbers speak to policy, not just posturing. Enten’s breakdown, posted on Twitter, highlights two specific initiatives: a deportation program now backed by 54% of Americans, and expanded ICE enforcement supported by 51%. These aren’t fringe opinions—they represent a growing slice of voters who see enforcement not as cruelty, but as necessary correction after years of policy drift. Trump’s team is betting that, in the eyes of many, the border crisis didn’t begin in 2016—it accelerated under Joe Biden.
Why Trump's eager for an immigration fight: His net approval is positive (+1 pt) & up like a rocket vs. term 1.
Specific Approval:
-54% for Trump's deportation program for those here illegally
-51% of ICE searchesVoters also say Dems have no clue on immigration (GOP +10). pic.twitter.com/IdHaPx8Ud4
— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) June 9, 2025
That bet appears to be paying off. Across polls from CBS, CNN, and Ipsos, Republicans hold a durable advantage on immigration—leads ranging from 6 to 19 points. That edge isn’t abstract. It reflects real disillusionment with Democratic leadership, especially in states like California, where figures like Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass face growing scrutiny over rising migrant populations and frayed public services. In contrast, Trump is offering clarity: a defined policy agenda and a willingness to execute it.
His critics see cruelty; his supporters see control. Progressive groups continue to sound alarms over deportations and detention policies of those charged with crimes.
They’re rioting for this guy https://t.co/7jbJaIBAh7
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) June 9, 2025
Trump’s response is grounded in narrative discipline: immigration, he argues, isn’t just about borders—it’s about sovereignty, security, and economic coherence. In places like Tennessee, where construction and agriculture depend heavily on undocumented labor, enforcement has sparked tension—but also reinforced his core message. Trump isn’t running from controversy. He’s using it as a platform, and it’s working.
The Washington Post recently reported that, according to the latest U.S. jobs report, more than one million foreign-born workers have left the workforce since March. Additionally, through April, the most recent data available, U.S. real weekly wages increased by 0.92%, compared to a decline of 0.22% during the first four months of the previous year.
As the 2025 political season takes shape, immigration is no longer a background issue. It’s a front-line battle—one Trump is charging into with characteristic force. His pledge to launch the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history” isn’t just campaign rhetoric—it’s a governing blueprint. With public opinion tilting in his direction, and Democratic messaging fragmented, Trump is positioning himself as the only candidate serious about restoring order at the border.
The electoral terrain is still volatile. But if immigration becomes the defining issue of the next cycle—as it increasingly appears it might—Trump has already planted his flag while Gavin Newsom has made his fellow Democrats walk the plank with him.
Every single Democratic Governor agrees:
Donald Trump’s attempts to militarize California are an alarming abuse of power. pic.twitter.com/gmHuZpxWdc
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 8, 2025
The 2028 Democratic primary promises to be a circus, that is if the party is still held together after 2026.
[Read More: DNC Leader Says He Might Not Be Up To The Task]
