FAIR: New Zogby Poll in Battleground States Reveals Broad Voter Support for Reduced Immigration During COVID-19 Crisis

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Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

Jun 17, 2020, 08:00 ET

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A poll conducted in 10 states that are likely to determine the outcome of the November elections finds broad voter support for reductions in immigration in the face of massive layoffs resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. The polling was conducted on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) by the national opinion research firm, Zogby Analytics, on June 10 and 11. The states polled were: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Across all 10 battleground states, voter opinion was fairly consistent on key issues related to immigration amidst the current health and economic crises:

By about margins of 2 to 1, voters support "reductions in immigration and guest workers admissions" during the crisis.
Strong majorities of voters in all ten states believe that "limiting admission of new immigrants and guest workers will improve the chances of laid-off American workers being rehired."
In all ten states, some 75% to 80% of voters believe that it is prudent to "slow the admission of foreign nationals until we can provide thorough health screening to everyone entering the country."
By majorities of about 2 to 1, voters prioritize reducing overall immigration and strengthening immigration enforcement and border security, over increasing immigration, granting amnesty to illegal aliens, and decriminalizing illegal immigration.

"The polling shows clear public support for immigration policy steps that the Trump administration must take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting economic and unemployment crisis. Voters in these key states agree that reductions in the admission of new immigrants and foreign workers are a prudent response to a crisis that has resulted in some 40 million Americans losing their jobs, and there is broad public support for these additional measures to be taken by the White House," commented Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

"Jobs and economic security are critical issues in any election. While voters certainly understand the extraordinary circumstances that have led to massive unemployment, they will also expect that the president and Congress will take all reasonable steps to minimize the damage done to American workers, and expedite recovery for those who have lost jobs. This poll of voters in the states that will most likely decide the election demonstrates clearly that the American public understands and supports the need to reduce the flow of people entering the country who will compete for jobs during this crisis and once the economy fully reopens," Stein concluded.

Contact: Matthew Tragesser, 202-328-7004 or [email protected]

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 2 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)