Most Americans oppose coronavirus stimulus cash for illegal immigrants, poll finds

Sixty percent of American voters favor providing taxpayer-funded coronavirus healthcare for illegal immigrants while just 22% agree with giving them stimulus cash, according to the Just the News Daily Poll with Scott Rasmussen.

"It's important to note that the implication of the question is that the medical care is related to the coronavirus," Rasmussen noted. "This does not indicate support for a broader policy of providing government-funded health care for illegal immigrants. It may be that people see this as a unique humanitarian crisis. Others may see it as part of the solution needed to stop the spread of the pandemic."

Respondents were asked: "A bill has been proposed in Congress that would allow illegal immigrants to receive stimulus cash payments and certain medical treatments from the coronavirus relief package. What benefits should illegal immigrants receive?" Responses were as below:

• 31% Illegal immigrants should not receive any benefits
• 38% Illegal immigrants should receive medical treatment but no stimulus cash payments
• 22% Illegal immigrants should receive medical treatment and stimulus cash payments
• 9%   Not sure

The national survey of 1,200 registered voters was conducted April 9-11, 2020 by Rasmussen, a polling veteran. Margin of sampling error: +/- 2.8% for full sample. 

"With the exception of Republicans and conservatives, majorities of every measured demographic support providing medical care for illegal immigrants," Rasmussen also said. "However, 57% of Republicans are opposed to illegal immigrants receiving any benefits. Among conservatives, 47% oppose any benefits and 47% favor providing medical care."

President Trump has long supported stronger controls on illegal immigration, and the coronavirus is complicating his efforts, from illegal immigrants receiving coronavirus stimulus checks to the possibility that illegal immigrants could get government-paid coronavirus healthcare. 

One additional immigration complication from coronavirus is that the federal government is postponing requirements for Americans to obtain what’s known as a “REAL-ID” to travel.

The REAL-ID Act requires a driver’s license or identification card that is valid no longer than its holder's period of authorized stay in the United States. The president said at a White House coronavirus briefing last month that he was delaying the October 1 deadline to alleviate crowding at local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. 

Under the original October 1 deadline, people without valid ID cards would be banned from boarding commercial flights, entering federal buildings, or gaining access to American nuclear plants.

To see the full demographic cross-tabulations for this polling question, click below: