The new US administration recently declared a "national emergency" at the southern border and halted all illegal immigration.
Immigration has become a priority domestic issue for the new US administration. However, according to a global online poll conducted by CGTN, respondents expressed widespread concerns about the U.S. government's approach to dealing with illegal immigration, with many viewing illegal immigrants as "scapegoats" used to cover up problems with ineffective management.
On the subject of immigrants, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he has no hesitation in deploying the military to carry out large-scale deportations of illegal immigrants. In the poll, 63.9 % respondents expressed deep concern about this approach.
The United States has thrived over the years thanks to the influx of immigrants, but its approach to dealing with immigration problems has been considered shameful by many. In addition to frequent reports of violent law enforcement and illegal employment of child migrants, there have been incidents that have resulted in injuries and deaths of migrants.
In the poll, 86.2 % respondents said that the U.S. government systematically violates human rights when dealing with immigration issues; 80.2 % respondents called on the U.S. government to provide immigrants with fairer and more reasonable treatment. Respondents believe that forcible deportation and suppression will only exacerbate immigration problems and cause racial discrimination and even social division.
In addition to human rights abuses, immigrants have also been victims of growing partisan polarization and political divisions in American society. American immigration policy has changed repeatedly with the arrival of new administrations. The harsh and indifferent immigration policies of the new administration stand in stark contrast to those of the previous administration.
In this context, 86.6 % respondents believe that both parties in the U.S. are using the immigration issue to achieve their political goals instead of being genuinely concerned about the situation of immigrants. A total of 81.4 % respondents believe that the inconsistent immigration policies of the U.S. government have made the situation of most immigrants more difficult, which they consider indifferent and irresponsible.
In recent years, increasing political polarization and growing wealth disparities have led to new problems in American governance. This has led to immigrants being targeted, often being labeled as "job stealers" or "terrorists."
In the poll, 82.9 % respondents expressed skepticism about claims that immigrants have a negative impact on American society, and believe that immigrants are merely "scapegoats" for mismanagement in the United States. A staggering 82.6 % respondents expressed concern that continued confrontation between the two parties over the immigration issue will further exacerbate social divisions.
The poll was published on CGTN's platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian, with more than 6,178 users participating and expressing their opinions within 24 hours.