Majority of Americans oppose ending birthright citizenship, NPR/Ipsos poll finds

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 9:00 am

Americans Divided on Immigration Policies, Poll Reveals

A recent NPR/Ipsos poll reveals a complex and divided American public when it comes to immigration policies. The survey, conducted from May 9-11 with 1,019 respondents, highlights significant opposition to ending birthright citizenship, while also showing nuanced views on other aspects of the Trump administration's hardline approach.

The poll found that a clear majority of Americans (53%) oppose President Trump's proposal to end birthright citizenship, with only 28% in favor. This stance, which would overturn the long-standing principle that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen, has remained largely unchanged since the plan was announced.

However, the poll also reveals support for some of the administration's other immigration measures. Nearly half of respondents (49%) support the quick deportation of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, with Republicans showing significantly higher support than Democrats.

Interestingly, the poll suggests a subtle softening of support for mass deportation. While 40% of respondents support the mass deportation of those in the country without legal status, 42% oppose it. This is a slight shift from previous polls, particularly among political independents.

The poll also delved into the issue of due process, revealing a wide range of opinions. While 45% believe that First Amendment protections should apply equally to immigrants regardless of legal status, a similar percentage (46%) agrees with concerns that providing trials to millions of immigrants without legal status would take too long.

The survey underscores the deep divisions within American society on immigration, highlighting the complex interplay of legal principles, personal experiences, and political ideologies.

BNN's Perspective: This poll underscores the challenges of navigating the immigration debate. While the strong opposition to ending birthright citizenship suggests a commitment to fundamental American values, the support for stricter measures like deportations reveals a desire for border security and addressing perceived threats. Finding common ground will require acknowledging the complexities of the issue and engaging in respectful dialogue that considers both the rights of immigrants and the concerns of citizens.

Keywords: immigration, birthright citizenship, deportation, NPR/Ipsos poll, Trump administration, public opinion, due process, Tren de Aragua, mass deportation, legal status, 14th Amendment, American citizens, political independents, hardline immigration policies, poll results

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