Majority Supports Bipartisan Senate Border Bill in WSJ Poll

A recent poll conducted by The Wall Street Journal found that a majority of U.S. voters support the Senate’s bipartisan border security bill. The bill, which did not pass in the Senate and was deemed “dead on arrival” in the House, aimed to make it harder for migrants to receive asylum, increase the number of border agents, and grant the President the authority to limit the number of migrants entering the country if immigration exceeds a certain threshold.

Participants in the survey were asked whether they would favor or oppose this proposal based on the information provided. The results showed that 59% of voters, including similar percentages of Republicans and Democrats, expressed support for the bipartisan package as reported by the Journal.

When asked about who was more to blame for the state of border security, a plurality of voters pointed to President Joe Biden. Some believed that Biden’s reversal of executive orders put in place by former President Donald Trump led to increased illegal immigration. Others felt that the GOP sabotaged the Senate bipartisan deal at Trump’s behest.

Furthermore, the survey indicated that 74% of voters endorse creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for an extended period and pass a background check.

Additional findings from the poll include:

• 71% believe immigration and border security have worsened over the past year.
• 66% disapprove of Biden’s handling of immigration.
• 66% support establishing a mechanism for immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.
• 58% favor increasing the level of legal immigration to the U.S.

According to Democrat pollster Michael Bocian and Republican Tony Fabrizio, who conducted the survey, voters are seeking solutions to the immigration issue. While they may not be rigid in their preferences, they are eager for effective resolutions.

The poll was conducted from Feb. 21-28 following the failure of Senate Republicans on Feb. 7 to pass a bipartisan effort aimed at enhancing border security. Despite months of negotiations, the Senate voted 49-50 against a $118 billion bipartisan package that aimed to strengthen immigration laws, aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and support Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissed the bill as “dead on arrival” in the House shortly after the Senate’s decision on Feb. 4.

Immigration has surged in importance among voters, with 20% now ranking it as their top concern, up from 13% in December. This places immigration above other issues, including the economy.

Reuters contributed to this story.