The Trump administration’s policies regarding migration – permanent and temporary – reflect the view of the strongest supporters of Christian nationalism. Christian Nationalists are estimated to account for half the population of some mountain, Midwest and southern states. Overall they comprise 30% of the entire population. The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) estimates thay a third – or 10% of the American population – are “adherents” who strongly identify with Christian Nationalism. In this posting I profile this group’s views on immigration.
Supporters of Christian nationalism describe America as founded on Christian God-given principles and believe public life should reflect biblical values, even if the government is not a theocracy. They emphasize faith in the Christian God, moral living, patriotism, traditional social order, and the view that religious influence in American life has declined too far. When one views America as God’s chosen nation with a sacred identity, immigration becomes not just a policy challenge but a form of defilement threatening the nation’s covenant relationship with God. (Go here.)
Below is a topic-by-topic comparison, drawing on an October 2025 PRRI survey and showing the contrast between “All Americans” and adherent Christian nationalists.
Perceptions of Immigrants: A majority of Americans (57%) say immigrants strengthen American society, while 41% disagree. Among Christian nationalism adherents, this reverses sharply: only 31% agree, and nearly 70% express skepticism or outright rejection. While 32% of Americans overall agree that immigrants are invading and replacing the country’s cultural background, fully 67% of Christian nationalist adherents endorse this view.
Legal Status and Citizenship: 60% of Americans favor a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet requirements; only 24% support deportation first. Among Christian nationalist adherents, support for a pathway to citizenship drops below half (49%), while a majority favor deportation-first approaches.
Birthright Citizenship: Two-thirds of Americans (67%) support the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship. Christian nationalist adherents are divided, with only 49% in favor, even far below other Christian nationalism categories.
Due Process and Civil Rights: 61% of Americans agree that immigrants should have basic rights, including the ability to challenge deportation in court. Among Christian nationalist adherents, support falls to 37%. Majorities of adherents also support deportation to foreign prisons without due process (57%), a position opposed by nearly two-thirds of Americans overall.
Enforcement and Punitive Measures: One-third of Americans favor arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants with no criminal record; among Christian nationalist adherents, support rises to 57%. Stripping citizenship from those deemed threats is opposed by most Americans (57%) but supported by 63% of adherents.