OpenCampaign

Immigration

Immigration impacts on California

Immigration remains a forefront public issue in California, with PPIC noting debate over the benefits and costs of immigrants and immigration, majority support for viewing immigrants as a benefit across much of the state, and ongoing conflict between state and federal government on the topic.

How should California treat the benefits and costs of immigration?

How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue

30% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).

  1. Liberal30%
  2. Lean liberal23%
  3. Moderate16%
  4. Lean conservative6%
  5. Conservative25%

High-priority share over time

35%201636%201733%201928%202037%202130%202232%202326%202437%202545%2026

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?

How should California treat the benefits and costs of immigration?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-political-geography
We have enough data to explore four key issues that have been at the forefront of the public conversation: the size of state government, the benefits and costs of immigrants and immigration, California’s role in climate change mitigation, and abortion access.
Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-political-geography
Most Californians agree on several key issues. Though the exact level of support varies, majorities across the state support abortion access, view immigrants as a benefit, and favor state action on climate change.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand immigrant inclusion, legal protections, and state services regardless of federal crackdowns
  2. Affirm immigrants as a net benefit and sustain sanctuary-style and integration policies
  3. Welcome legal immigration while enforcing laws and weighing local fiscal impacts case by case
  4. Tighten enforcement cooperation and limit state benefits to reduce costs of illegal immigration
  5. Prioritize strict border and interior enforcement and end state policies that attract unlawful migration