Texas Voters Evenly Split on Trump Immigration Policies New Survey Reveals

Texans Divided Down the Middle

A comprehensive new survey reveals that Texas voters are nearly evenly split on President Trump's immigration policies, with 51% of registered voters approving and 49% disapproving . The study, conducted by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs and Texas Southern University, surveyed thousands of Texans about their views on the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

The findings highlight deep political and demographic divides across the Lone Star State. Researchers found deeper divides over immigration that run along political, racial, gender and generational lines, with support for Trump's policies among white Texas voters significantly higher than among Black and Hispanic voters . These divisions reflect the complex nature of immigration politics in America's second-largest state.

Specific Policies Generate Varying Support

Almost six in 10, or 58%, support sending the U.S. military to the border, and 54% back the use of state and local law enforcement to help with immigration detention . However, other policies face stronger opposition. Only 42% support suspending most asylum applications, while 58% disapprove of this particular enforcement measure.

The survey also revealed significant opposition to changes in education policy. Nearly six in 10 Texans (58%) say undocumented students should not be allowed to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities . This policy change affects an estimated 74,000 students in the country illegally in higher education in Texas , ending a practice that had been in place since 2001.

Economic and Safety Concerns Drive Opinions

Texans hold mixed views about the practical impacts of immigration enforcement. Almost half, or 46%, say increased enforcement will reduce crime, while 29% think it will have no impact and 25% say it will increase crime . These perceptions contrast with research showing that immigrants, legal and not, commit fewer crimes than people born in the United States .

Economic concerns also shape public opinion. About 47% of Texans think Trump policies will weaken the Texas economy, while 41% believe they will make it stronger . The state's construction industry faces particular challenges, as about 25% of Texas' construction workers are in the country without authorization, translating into more than 50,000 unauthorized construction workers in the Houston area .

Real-World Impact on Communities

The policy debates have created tangible effects across Texas communities. Immigration Attorney Raed Gonzalez said he's seen a large increase in U.S. citizens calling his office with questions and concerns about travel and documentation, noting "when you get United States citizens concerned about their ability to remain in the United States, you know that there is something wrong" .

The survey results reflect Texas's unique position as a border state where more than $11 billion of Texas taxpayer money has been spent to cover the cost of Operation Lone Star, the state initiative to secure the border, since 2021 . As immigration enforcement continues to evolve, these divided opinions suggest that Texas will remain a crucial battleground for national immigration policy debates, with communities grappling with the practical consequences of federal enforcement actions.