CNN: Democrats Struggle to Gain Ground on Immigration

Polling data shows little shift in public opinion despite recent events.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A new CNN poll suggests that despite high-profile events on immigration in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, Democrats have not been able to gain significant ground on the issue with voters. The data indicates that public opinion on immigration has remained relatively stable, posing a challenge for Democrats looking to capitalize on the issue.

Why it matters

Immigration has long been a contentious and politically divisive topic, with both parties vying to shape public perception. The inability of Democrats to move the needle on this issue could hinder their efforts to appeal to key voting blocs ahead of upcoming elections.

The details

The CNN poll found that the percentage of Americans who view immigration as a top priority has held steady in recent months, with little change in overall attitudes toward policies like border security and pathways to citizenship. This suggests the high-profile events in LA and Minneapolis, which focused on immigration reform, have not significantly swayed public opinion on the matter.

  • The CNN poll was conducted in late February 2026.

The players

CNN

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The takeaway

The inability of Democrats to gain traction on immigration despite recent high-profile events highlights the challenge of shifting deeply entrenched public attitudes on this issue. Both parties will likely need to find new ways to engage voters and shape the narrative around immigration ahead of upcoming elections.