Immigration policy and public opinion

A look at the 2026 behavioral and attitudinal immigrant national survey results

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST 
Online only: https://www.brookings.edu/events/immigration-policy-and-public-opinion

The Trump administration has leveraged the presence of federal and local law enforcement on city streets to make arrests and motivate self-deportation. These policies have had significant consequences for all immigrants but have had the greatest impact on people from Latino, AAPI and Black communities. According to results from a new survey conducted by the National Immigration Law Center, in partnership with BSP Research, 42% of Latino immigrants and 31% of Black immigrants reported an ICE operation or raid in the area they live in, and over a third of immigrants expressed concerns that they may be detained or deported.

On November 17, join the Governance Studies program at Brookings for a webinar to explore findings from the 2026 Behavioral and Attitudinal Immigrant National Survey which examines the consequences of the administration’s immigration actions, including enhanced enforcement measures and the rollback of protections for some noncitizens. Political science, legal, and policy experts will discuss key takeaways and highlight what policy options may be on the table with Congress under Democrats’ control. 

Viewers can submit questions via email to events@brookings.edu.