How Do New Yorkers Feel About Illegal Immigration?

Written by Anthony Cash

What’s happening: New Yorkers — even liberals — are increasingly turning against Democrats on immigration amid the massive influx of illegal immigrants in the state, a new poll shows.

• By the numbers: Eighty-two percent of New Yorkers said that the influx of illegal immigrants is a serious problem. Fifty-eight percent of New Yorkers want to slow immigration, including 48 percent of Democrats.

Why it matters: The problems associated with immigration are typically a Republican talking point. And it’s getting harder for Democrats to ignore them.

Catch up: Since last spring, New York City has received at least 90,000 illegal immigrants. The city could spend $12 billion on the migrants by 2025, and other resources are strained as well.

• Democratic infighting: The crisis has caused tension between Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul, both Democrats, as Adams sends migrants to other regions in the state. Hochul and Adams havecriticized Biden while both of their approval ratings drop.

• Dive deeper: Democrats’ winning margins may be narrowing in New York. Last year, Hochul won by only 5 percentage points in the closest gubernatorial race in years. Adding immigration to the mix could threaten liberal control of the state.

Zoom out: Most voters want less immigration and support efforts to curb illegal immigration. A plurality of Floridians supported Gov. Ron DeSantis flying migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, including most Hispanics. Most Texans also supported Gov. Greg Abbot’s similar move.