It's Been a Minute Did Trump bet wrong? Americans are flip-flopping.
Aug 29, 2025
Jasmine Garsd, an NPR senior immigration correspondent, and Christian Paz, a political correspondent at Vox, dive into the dramatic shift in American sentiments about immigration. With 79% now viewing it positively, they discuss the economic and political factors driving this change. The duo also analyzes the Trump administration's risks in navigating shifting public opinions, while exploring how these trends could reshape the political landscape and voter priorities in the years to come.
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Public Opinion Has Flipped Rapidly
- Gallup shows a dramatic swing: 79% of Americans now say immigration is good and desire for lower immigration dropped from 55% to 30%.
- Multiple polls (Quinnipiac, Pew) corroborate growing public openness to pathways and mixed reactions to enforcement actions.
Images And Local Needs Shape Attitudes
- Media images of chaotic migrant scenes and busing campaigns created a sharp dip in support for immigration.
- Seeing immigrants as workers in declining Midwest towns helped shift views back toward recognizing economic contributions.
The Thermostat Effect Of The Economy
- Economic sentiment acts as a thermostat for immigration opinions: better sentiment increases openness, worse sentiment decreases it.
- Inflation and perceived economic precarity in recent years helped push public opinion toward restriction.