Currently, 39% of US Adults Approve of Trump's Handling of Immigration, Down From 49% at the Beginning of His Second Term

US President Donald Trump's immigration agenda remains his strongest political asset, outperforming the economy, healthcare, and Iran policy, according to a new AP-NORC poll. The survey shows that while Americans have grown more critical of his immigration policies since the start of his second term, Republican support has stayed overwhelmingly strong, keeping immigration a key advantage heading into the November midterm elections. Currently, 39% of US adults approve of Trump's handling of immigration, down from 49% at the beginning of his second term.

Despite the decline, immigration still ranks higher for Trump than other major issues. Within the Republican Party, about 8 in 10 approve of his immigration policies, only slightly lower than the roughly 9 in 10 who approved earlier. Republican voters also rate his immigration handling more favorably than his management of the economy or the conflict involving Iran.

Although immigration remains Trump's strongest issue, many Americans believe his enforcement measures have gone too far. About half say he has overstepped in deporting immigrants living in the US illegally, 47% believe he has exceeded his authority on deportations, and roughly half say he has gone too far in restricting legal immigration. Public concern is even stronger over specific tactics, such as using traffic stops to identify and arrest undocumented immigrants and sending large numbers of federal immigration agents into US cities.

Republicans, however, are far less likely to view these actions as excessive. The poll also examined attitudes toward US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). About half of Americans disapprove of how ICE is enforcing immigration laws, while only about three in 10 approve.

Among Republicans, roughly 60% approve of ICE's enforcement. The findings come after several high-profile encounters involving ICE officers in July, including incidents in which three people were killed during encounters with immigration authorities. While immigration remains relatively resilient, Trump's economic ratings have deteriorated significantly.

Only 32% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, down from 40% at the start of his second term. Among Republicans, 69% approve of his economic performance, down from 78% earlier in his presidency. About seven in 10 Americans describe the US economy as either "somewhat poor" or "very poor, with even supporters acknowledging persistent inflation and rising living costs.

Healthcare remains Trump's weakest major policy area, with only about 30% of Americans approving of his handling of it. from 59% in December to 71% in the latest poll—but Democrats and independents continue to overwhelmingly disapprove. Healthcare is expected to become a major Democratic campaign issue alongside the cost of living and the conflict involving Iran ahead of the midterm elections.

The findings suggest that immigration remains Trump's most durable political advantage even as his overall popularity declines. Although many Americans disapprove of specific enforcement tactics, Republican voters continue to strongly back the president's hardline approach, making immigration one of the few issues where he retains broad support within his political base. With fewer than 100 days before the midterm elections, the poll indicates immigration is likely to remain a central pillar of Trump's campaign strategy, even as concerns over the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy present growing political challenges."