As President Donald Trump intensifies his immigration policies amid his second term, a recent survey by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs sheds light on Texans’ perspectives. In January 2025, the study surveyed 1,200 Texans to gauge their opinions on immigration and border security.
IMMIGRATION: Houston family facing uncertainty after U.S. immigration policy changes threatens daughter’s legal citizenship
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Majority support for legal pathways
The survey found that 64% of Texans favor creating a legal route for undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S., provided they meet specific criteria. This view is strongly held by Democrats, with 88% in support, while Republicans are divided: 44% agree, and 56% oppose any legal stay for undocumented individuals.
Conditional support based on criminal history
Among those endorsing a legal pathway, 82% believe that undocumented immigrants with felony convictions should be excluded, and 61% feel the same about those with misdemeanor offenses. Regarding the end goal, 56% support allowing these individuals to apply for citizenship, while 44% prefer limiting them to legal permanent residency.
DEPORTATION: An immigrant faces deportation after a routine traffic stop in Texas, sparking more fear
Strong backing for enforcement measures
Texans also show significant support for stricter enforcement:
- Targeted Deportations: 87% favor increasing deportations of undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions, including 95% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats.
- Asylum Denials: 72% support deporting individuals whose asylum applications have been denied but remain in the country.
- Border Wall Expansion: 67% advocate for expanding the U.S.-Mexico border wall, with 91% of Republicans and 38% of Democrats in agreement.
- Mass Deportations: 60% support the mass deportation of the majority of undocumented immigrants, a view held by 83% of Republicans and 34% of Democrats.
Openness to Immigration Reforms
Despite favoring strict enforcement, many Texans are open to reforms:
- Dreamers: 73% support allowing undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to legally stay and work, including 91% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans.
- High-Skilled Immigrants: 72% are in favor of admitting more high-skilled immigrants.
- Legal Immigration Opportunities: 69% support creating more avenues for legal immigration.
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Debate over the Texas Dream Act
The 2001 Texas Dream Act, which grants in-state tuition to undocumented students at public colleges, remains contentious. Overall, 56% of Texans support repealing the law, with 64% of Republicans and 44% of Democrats in favor. Conversely, 56% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans oppose its repeal.
Balancing compassion and security
As Trump emphasizes stricter immigration policies, this survey highlights the complex views of Texans. While there is considerable support for legal pathways and reforms, many also advocate for robust enforcement and border security measures. These findings underscore the nuanced perspectives within the state as the national debate on immigration continues.
