Immigration and border security
Immigration is a leading 2026 midterm issue. Americans are divided on enforcement tactics but a majority favors a strong military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border; Border Patrol encounters have fallen sharply, while debates continue over interior enforcement and civilian responses.
What approach should the U.S. take on immigration and the southern border?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
30% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
- Liberal30%
- Lean liberal23%
- Moderate16%
- Lean conservative6%
- Conservative25%
High-priority share over time
The high-priority share has ranged 26–45% since 2016. Election-year cohorts skew casual and under-rate every issue, so the dips around 2020 and 2024 partly reflect who took the quiz, not a shift in opinion.
Where do you stand?
What approach should the U.S. take on immigration and the southern border?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Key issues in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections include the economy and immigration, which have traditionally been strong issues for Pres. Donald
a 62% majority favors a strong military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the January survey.
Toplines: National Survey on Immigration and the Economy
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Decriminalize irregular crossing, expand asylum and pathways, and limit enforcement
- Pair a path to status for long-term residents with more legal immigration and humane enforcement
- Enforce current law while expanding legal channels and targeted border resources
- Strengthen border barriers, expedite removals, and tighten asylum and interior enforcement
- Deploy maximal military border presence, end most asylum claims, and massively increase deportations