Only 31% approve of Biden’s handling of immigration issues: Gallup poll

August 26, 2023

Two-thirds of Americans disapprove of President Biden’s handling of immigration issues — and among other policy areas his marks were “middling at best,” according to a new poll.

The 80-year-old president’s overall approval rating stands at 42%, but on six key issues – labor disputes, foreign affairs, relations with Russia, the economy, relations with China and immigration – Americans hold a more negative view of the commander in chief’s job performance, a Gallup survey released on Friday found.

Only 31% approve of how Biden has handled the immigration crisis, with 66% responding that they disapprove.

Immigration is also Biden’s weakest rating among Democrats polled, with 62% saying they approve of the job the president has done on the issue.

In comparison, the president scored marks in the 80 percentile range among Democrats on issues concerning race relations (86%), the situation in Ukraine (83%) and education (82%).

Biden's job approval rating is a relatively steady 42%. — Biden’s job approval rating is a relatively steady 42%.

Among partisans in the Democratic Party, Biden's number took a slight jump. — Among partisans in the Democratic Party, Biden’s number took a slight jump from May to August.

Biden's approval rating among Democrat voters is still significantly higher versus Republicans. — Biden’s approval rating among Democrat voters is still significantly higher of Republicans.

Just 32% of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of relations with China, and 37% approve of how he has dealt with relations with Russia, according to Gallup.

The president also received approval marks in the 30 percentile range when it comes to his handling of the economy (37%), foreign affairs (38%) and labor disputes (38%).

The highest issue area approval rating Biden could muster was 47%, related to his handling of the situation in Ukraine.

Biden pauses as he speaks during the AARP and The Des Moines Register Iowa Presidential Candidate Forum at Drake University on July 15, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Biden also scored in the 40 percentile range among Americans when it comes to race relations (46%) and education (44%).

The economy was Biden’s weakest area among Republicans surveyed, with only 3% saying they approve of the job he’s done, and race relations was the issue he handled best, with 16% of Republicans approving.

“Americans’ approval of Biden’s overall job as president and his handling of nine issues are generally steady and are middling at best,” Gallup said of the poll’s findings.

“If he continues to struggle to earn ratings above the low 40s, history suggests he would be unlikely to win reelection,” the pollster warned.