Poll Results

YES: 83% | NO: 17%

In our latest Border Security Poll, we asked readers:

“Has illegal immigration been stopped since Trump took office?”

This question reflects ongoing national debate over the effectiveness of immigration enforcement policies. The Trump administration campaigned on a platform of border security, including construction of a border wall, increased deportations, and stricter asylum procedures. Years later, many Americans are asking: Did those efforts actually stop illegal immigration — or simply slow it?

Here’s how respondents answered:

• No – Illegal Immigration Has Not Been Stopped: 17%
• Yes – It Has Been Stopped: 83%

Why This Question Matters

Illegal immigration remains a key issue in national politics — affecting debates over public safety, economic policy, national sovereignty, and humanitarian responsibility. While border policy changed dramatically under President Trump, the long-term impact of those changes continues to be evaluated by lawmakers, voters, and communities along the southern border.

This poll offers insight into how the public views the effectiveness of those efforts today.

Arguments from Those Who Said “No – It Has Not Been Stopped”

• Numbers Remain High:
  Respondents point to continued illegal border crossings — including record surges during recent years — as proof that the problem hasn’t been fully addressed.
• Incomplete Border Wall:
  While parts of the wall were built, many note that it remains incomplete or poorly maintained. Smugglers and migrants have continued to find ways around physical barriers.
• Inconsistent Enforcement:
  Some argue that even during Trump’s presidency, immigration policy was slowed by legal battles, court injunctions, and resistance at the state and local level.
• The Problem Is Ongoing:
  Many voters believe that while Trump made progress, stopping illegal immigration entirely requires years of sustained effort, strong Congressional action, and a fully secure border.
• Policies Reversed Too Quickly:
  Some critics argue that progress made under Trump was reversed shortly after he left office, making it difficult to claim lasting success.

Arguments from Those Who Said “Yes – It Has Been Stopped”

• Sharp Decrease in Border Crossings During Trump Era:
  Supporters note that illegal border crossings dropped significantly after policies like “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 were implemented during Trump’s presidency.
• Stronger Enforcement Tools Were Introduced:
  Trump expanded the authority of ICE and Border Patrol, built new border wall segments, and implemented fast-track deportation for certain categories of migrants.
• Discouraged Future Crossings:
  Tougher rhetoric and enforcement are credited by some as deterring would-be migrants, especially during the early and middle years of Trump’s presidency.
• Record Deportations:
  Enforcement metrics during parts of the Trump administration showed significant increases in arrests and removals of undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds.
• Shift in Priorities:
  Supporters argue that even if illegal immigration didn’t reach zero, the Trump administration marked a major shift in prioritizing border security as a central issue.

Conclusion

According to this poll, a clear majority of respondents believe that illegal immigration has not been fully stopped since Trump took office, although many still credit his administration with major policy shifts and enforcement gains.

As immigration remains a dominant issue in national politics, this question continues to shape debates about leadership, law enforcement, and the future of border security.