The most important issue in the U.S., per a recent Gallup poll, is immigration. The last time immigration topped the list of American’s concerns was 2019. A total of 28% of Americans identified immigration as the top issue in the country, reflecting an 8-percentage point jump since January 2024. The second problem identified is government, with 20% of respondents citing this as a concern. In third, the “economy in general” saw a 12% response rate.
There is a divide on immigration across party lines. 57% of Republicans identified it as the top concern. 10% of Democrats say immigration is the most important issue, per the poll. However, 55% of U.S. adults say immigration is of critical importance to the U.S. That is up 8-percentage points from 2023 and sets a record high on the perspective.
Immigration remains an issue in Congress. However, due to partisan politics, no real reform or adjustments to policy have been made. Although a group of Senators spent months creating a proposal that appeared to reach a crucial middle ground, the recommendation was not seriously considered. The Senate approved funding for foreign aid, totally $95 billion, to support Ukraine and Israel in their conflicts, humanitarian support for Gaza, and some U.S. Indo-Pacific countries. However, it has not yet moved forward.
President Biden is expected to bring together Congressional leadership to discuss the proposed foreign aid bill and a potential government shutdown which will go into effect on Friday March 1, 2024, unless action is taken.
If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. We actively monitor ongoing updates to policy to ensure our clients get the right advice for their specific situations.
