As the Trump administration begins high-profile immigration raids across the country, a new survey finds that a majority of Texans agree with calls to quickly deport undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a felony or who have lost their asylum claims. There is, however, also substantial support for allowing those who meet certain requirements to remain here legally.
Key Findings
- 87% of Texans support deporting undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a felony. 72% support increased deportations of those whose asylum claims were denied.
- 64% say undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements should be allowed to stay, either as legal permanent residents or with a pathway to citizenship.
- 69% support more pathways for legal immigration, both for highly skilled immigrants (72%) or to fill a labor market need (69%).
New research from the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston also found a majority of Texans support increasing opportunities for legal immigration.
Renée Cross, researcher and senior executive director of the Hobby School, noted that almost nine out of 10 Texans, or 87%, believe the country should increase deportations of illegal immigrants who have been convicted of a felony. And 72% support deporting those who remained in the country after their applications for asylum were denied.
"But almost two-thirds, 64%, say those who are here illegally and can meet certain requirements, such as not having a criminal record or having a spouse or child who is a U.S. citizen, should be allowed to stay," she said. "Texans certainly don't see immigration as a black or white issue."
Of those who say certain undocumented immigrants should be allowed to stay legally, more than half (56%) support a pathway to citizenship, while 44% support a pathway to legal permanent residency.
"Texans certainly don't see immigration as a black or white issue."
— Renée Cross, researcher and senior executive director of the Hobby School, University of Houston
Mark P. Jones, political science fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and senior research fellow at the Hobby School, said the backing for allowing some undocumented immigrants to remain legally is paired with strong support for increasing avenues for legal immigration.
"More than seven out of 10 Texans, or 72%, support allowing more highly skilled workers into the country," he said. "Another 69% say there should be legal avenues for people who can fill a labor market need."
At the same time, Jones said, 73% of Texans believe there should be limits on the number of immigrants who can claim asylum.
Among the report's other findings: