A new Harvard-Harris survey confirms a stark reality that has defined the immigration debate for years. A majority of Americans, 56 percent, believe Democrats support open borders rather than oppose them. This perception is not born of misinformation but of observable actions, policies, and outcomes that have reshaped communities across the nation.
The poll, conducted May 29-31 among 1,725 registered voters, cuts through the carefully crafted rhetoric. While 44 percent think Democrats oppose open borders, the numbers tell a clearer story when broken down. Most Republicans (67 percent) and independents (53 percent) see the party as favoring unrestricted entry. Even among Democrats, opinions split nearly evenly, with 48 percent acknowledging their party stands for open borders.
This aligns with the record of the previous administration, where catch-and-release practices, sanctuary city declarations, and resistance to basic enforcement turned the southern border into a sieve. Millions entered without vetting, straining resources and testing the rule of law. Estimates from groups tracking the crisis place the illegal migrant population near 19 million, a surge that accelerated dramatically in recent years.
Related findings in the survey paint an even more concerning picture. Nearly half of respondents believe Democrats oppose deporting violent criminal illegal aliens, including strong majorities of Republicans and significant shares of independents. This reluctance to prioritize public safety speaks volumes about misplaced priorities.
President Trump acted decisively upon taking office, issuing orders to enforce existing immigration laws and protect against what amounts to an invasion of unvetted individuals. The focus remains on removing threats and restoring order, policies that resonate with Americans weary of chaos. House Republicans have similarly pushed legislation to secure the border, only to face uniform Democratic opposition.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise captured the frustration, noting that Democrats voted against measures like the Secure America Act, effectively choosing open borders over American safety. Their rejection of funding for law enforcement tasked with removing criminals underscores a troubling pattern: rhetoric about compassion that masks consequences borne by citizens.
The human cost cannot be ignored. American families have lost loved ones to crimes committed by individuals who should never have been here. Border agents work tirelessly to stem the flow, yet face criticism for doing their duty. This disconnect between elite posturing and everyday reality fuels the public’s clear-eyed assessment.
Nations thrive when they uphold righteous boundaries and protect their people, principles that demand discernment in policy rather than ideological experiments.