Samuel Case, FISM News
As the number of border crossings continues to shatter records, the American people overwhelmingly support building a wall.
In an October survey, I&I/TIPP, asked voters: “Do you support or oppose building a wall along the border with Mexico?”
The answer was a resounding yes, with 57% of voters supporting the wall versus 33% who are opposed to the idea. Fewer have strong convictions either way, with 39% saying they strongly support building a wall and 20% saying they strongly oppose it.
Unsurprisingly, Republicans are largely in favor of the wall, with 85% favoring it and only 11% opposing it. But support is fairly strong among Democrats and Independents as well. Democrats are split between 48% in opposition and 45% in favor, while Independents are more positive towards the idea with 47% in favor to 37% in opposition.
As to which party voters believe is better suited to securing the border crisis, 43% said the Republican party, 34% said the Democratic party, and 23% are not sure.
I&I notes, “Independents give Republicans the nod by more than 2-to-1.” Of Independents, 38% think Republicans will secure the border, compared to only 16% who say Democrats are up to the task. A large plurality, 46%, say they are not sure.
The poll comes as U.S. border patrol agents encountered over 2.1 million migrants at the southwest border in the first 11 months of the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the highest amount ever recorded in a single fiscal year.
A recent New York Times/Siena College survey found immigration was among the top five most pressing issues for voters heading into the November midterm elections.