Poll: Eighty Percent Of Americans Oppose Sanctuary Cities

There is an interesting poll out this week by Harvard-Harris for The Hill newspaper that shows an incredible eighty percent of Americans oppose so-called sanctuary cities and that cities should be required to turn over illegal immigrants to federal authorities. It is a striking contrast with Democrats who have gone “all in” on opposing immigration policies of the Trump Administration, including support for sanctuary cities. There are opposing polls showing support for cities and there are always legitimate questions raised by some polls that rely entirely on Internet polling. This may be such a case.

We have previously discussed the status of sanctuary cities.  I have maintained that these cities are in a poor legal position to oppose the federal programs and that they would face the loss of badly needed federal funding.  It appears that they may also fall short on public support, though it is important to remember Tip O’Neill’s advice that “all politics is local.”

The Harvard–Harris Poll survey also found strong support for the types of reforms pushed by the Administration. Some 77 percent said they support comprehensive immigration reform against only 23 percent who oppose.  Indeed, some 53 percent of voters said they support Trump’s immigration executive order.    Those figures will likely encourage the Administration to stay the course despite the strong criticism coming from Democrats and the media.