The FINANCIAL — NEW YORK , N.Y. — President Obama set off no small amount of controversy last week when he announced sweeping executive actions on immigration policy. While conservatives have decried the actions as overstepping presidential authority, the president has responded with the simple and open challenge for Congress to “pass a bill.” But several days before President Obama even hinted at his intent, immigration was already among the issues Americans saw as most important for the government to address, with 24% of U.S. adults naming it – without prompt – as a top issue for action. This represents considerable growth from the 17% saying the same in June and a threefold increase from the 8% prioritizing immigration last December, according to Harris Interactive Inc.
Immigration isn’t the only issue on Americans’ minds. It falls just behind healthcare (including mentions of the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare” – 26%, up from 22% in June) and the economy (25%, down slightly from 27%), and just ahead of employment/jobs (20%, down from 23% in June).
Further down the list, 9% of Americans mention the budget deficit or national debt, 7% point to education, and 6% each name the environment and terrorism. Meanwhile, 5% each name budget/government spending, taxes and issues related to the income gap/wealth inequality in America.
There are some differences in how the top five issues rank depending on party affiliation (or lack thereof).
For Republicans, immigration is the top priority, followed by healthcare. The economy comes in third, followed by employment/jobs in fourth and the budget deficit/national debt closing out the top five priorities.
Healthcare comes in first among Democrats, with the economy ranking second. Employment/jobs come in third, immigration fourth and the environment and education tie for the fifth position.
For Independents, the economy and immigration tie for first priority, followed by healthcare. Employment/jobs comes in third, followed by the budget deficit/national debt in fourth. The environment rounds out Independents’ top five, according to Harris Interactive Inc.
Expectations for Republican controlled Congress
Setting aside which issues Americans think the government should prioritise – which ones do they think will fare well and poorly under a Republican congress? The highest percentages of Americans indicate Republican control of congress will be a good thing for the U.S. economy (44%, vs. 39% who think it will be bad and 17% who think it will make no difference), for employment/jobs (42% vs. 37% and 21%, respectively), and for education (39% vs. 36% and 24%, respectively).
Americans are most likely to think the new congressional order will be a bad thing for income inequality (48%, vs. 26% who think it will be a good thing and 25% who think it will make no difference), political corruption (43% vs. 25% and 32%, respectively), congressional gridlock (42% vs. 37% and 21%, respectively) and race relations (41% vs. 27% and 32%, respectively), according to Harris Interactive Inc.
Discussion about this post