A warmer welcome?

Time of India

21-07-2025

More and more Americans now believe immigrants deserve a chance, not handcuffs.
America has always been called a melting pot—a place where people from all over the world come to build a better life. But for the past few years, things have been really tough for immigrants, especially those who entered the U.S. without permission.
U.S. President Donald Trump made it one of his biggest promises to kick out millions of undocumented immigrants. In fact, he started his second term with a strict plan: 'Come legally or leave.' Some people agreed with him because there is a real problem—over 11 million people were living in the U.S. without proper papers by 2022, and some were even from India. In February, a big plane landed in Amritsar with 104 Indians who had been sent back from the U.S.
Even though deportations like these keep happening—about 14,700 every month—Trump's way is seen as especially harsh and loud, often involving handcuffs and shame. But now, something surprising is happening.
Many Americans are changing their minds.
New polls say most people don't want such harsh punishments anymore. A Gallup survey showed only 38% support mass deportation, down from 47% last year. And 78% of Americans now believe immigrants who've lived peacefully in the U.S. for years should be allowed to become citizens.
Why the change? Because people see that most immigrants help—they work hard, follow rules, and add value. A CNN poll showed 55% think Trump has gone too far, and 59% are against jailing people just for being in the U.S. without papers—especially if they've been living there for a long time without causing harm.
Even Trump's own political group, the Republicans, is showing a shift: only 48% want less immigration now, compared to 88% last year.
This change in attitude gives hope—especially to Indians who've built lives in the U.S. or students dreaming of studying there. If America listens to its people and softens its stance, it could once again be seen as the land of opportunity, not fear.
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