The findings, released September 2 by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation, suggest that the public is far more aligned on policy solutions than the polarized rhetoric in Congress implies. Across every surveyed district, majorities of both Democrats and Republicans support granting legal status to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for years, provided they pay a penalty and settle outstanding tax obligations. A similar bipartisan mandate exists for those brought to the U.S. as children, with voters backing a path to citizenship for these individuals.

This broad agreement does not extend to all undocumented populations. When presented with the case of individuals convicted of crimes, voters in these battleground areas consistently favor deportation. To address the primary drivers of illegal migration, respondents endorsed a two-pronged strategy: mandatory use of E-Verify for new hires and an expansion of work visas to better align with labor market demands. Furthermore, there is significant support for hiring more immigration judges to clear the massive backlog of asylum cases, which often drag on for years.

Steven Kull, director of the program, noted that the data points toward a desire to move people out of the shadows rather than pursuing mass removal. These findings are part of a broader series analyzing public opinion on 15 key policy topics ahead of the November elections, drawing on responses from nearly 20,000 adults. By focusing on proposals already under consideration in Congress, the study highlights a pragmatic middle ground that contrasts sharply with current legislative gridlock.