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    What The Latest Immigration Polls Do (And Don't) Say

    It can seem like there's a poll result that supports just about any position on any topic. Here's a look at what the latest immigration polls can and can't tell you.
    by Danielle Kurtzleben Jan 23, 2018 5 minutes
    Demonstrators, many of them recent immigrants to America, protest the government shutdown and the lack of a deal on DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) outside of Federal Plaza in New York City on Monday.

    Americans could be forgiven for having poll whiplash this week.

    "Shock poll: Americans want massive cuts to legal immigration," said a headline from the Washington Times.

    "Americans broadly embrace the Democratic immigration position," declared a Washington Post headline, with the release of a new ABC/Washington Post poll.

    On immigration, as on any other issue, it can seem that there's a poll result that supports just about any position. Here's a look at immigration polls to explain what findings are shaky — and to highlight what can reasonably be concluded about Americans' views on immigration.

    Question wording matters

    Deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley touted a Harvard Harris poll on Morning Edition Tuesday, saying that it showed Americans support the president's agenda.

    "It's an 80-percent issue, people want to close down the borders," he told NPR's Rachel Martin. "It's a

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