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Britons Tougher on Immigration Than Americans, NatCen Study Finds

Researchers say polarization centers on immigration in the UK versus social issues in the US.

Overview

  • A new NatCen comparison reports that 42% of people in the UK back legal efforts to deport those living without permission, compared with 33% in the US.
  • Americans are more likely to view diversity as a strength, with 64% agreeing versus 49% in the UK, and more likely to see openness to the world as essential to national identity at 63% versus 49%.
  • On family and sexuality issues the UK is more liberal, with higher support for contraception (92% vs 78%), same‑sex marriage as a societal good (59% vs 34%), and abortion legality in most or all cases (86% vs 63%).
  • Reform UK supporters are tougher on unauthorized immigrants staying than Trump supporters (79% vs roughly 70%) but more supportive of legal abortion (82% vs 35%).
  • Findings draw on more than 2,000 UK respondents surveyed in June 2025 and over 8,000 US respondents from April 2024, with both samples weighted to be nationally representative.