ImmigrationRegion Northeastn = 8

Should the U.S. allow more immigrants to enter the country legally than it currently does?

May 8, 2026 at 06:47 PM
New simulation
Some more
30%
of simulated population
Same as now
22%
of simulated population
A lot more
20%
of simulated population
Fewer
18%
of simulated population

↗ Key Insights

  • Generational divide: 18–29 show 100pp higher "Some more" than 50–64.
  • Highest "Some more" among Black respondents (100%), lowest among White (0%).
  • Income inversely related to "Some more" (-75pp low→high income).

Support by Age Group

18–29 (n=1)
Some more 100%
30–49 (n=4)
A lot more 50% Some more 25% A lot fewer 25%
50–64 (n=1)
Fewer 100%
65+ (n=2)
Some more 50% Same as now 50%

Support by Race / Ethnicity

White (n=4)
A lot more 25% Same as now 25% Fewer 25% A lot fewer 25%
Black (n=1)
Some more 100%
Hispanic (n=1)
Some more 100%
Asian (n=2)
A lot more 50% Some more 50%

Support by Income Level

<$30k (n=2)
Some more 100%
$30–60k (n=2)
Same as now 50% A lot fewer 50%
$60–100k (n=4)
A lot more 50% Some more 25% Fewer 25%

Overall Distribution

Some more30%
2 of 8 agents
Same as now22%
2 of 8 agents
A lot more20%
2 of 8 agents
Fewer18%
1 of 8 agents
A lot fewer10%
1 of 8 agents

Agent Responses (8)

#AgeRaceIncomeStanceRationale
0130–49Asian$60–100kA lot moreAs a child of immigrants, I know firsthand the contributions immigrants make to the economy and culture. Legal immigration pathways are too slow and limited. We need significant expansion.
0250–64White$60–100kFewerI support legal immigration but at the current pace it's depressing wages in construction trades. We should slow down until wages stabilize for workers who are already here.
0318–29Hispanic<$30kSome moreExpanding legal immigration benefits the economy and reduces the backlog that pushes people toward illegal entry. A moderate increase is the pragmatic middle ground.
0465+White$30–60kSame as nowI think the current level is about right. We need to do a better job integrating those already here before opening the door further. Quality over quantity.
0565+Black<$30kSome moreImmigration enriches our culture and fills gaps in the labor market. I'd support a moderate increase focused on skills and family reunification.
0630–49White$60–100kA lot moreThe economic case for immigration is overwhelming. Immigrants start businesses, pay taxes, and fill both high-skill and essential labor roles. Restrictionism is shortsighted.
0730–49White$30–60kA lot fewerI can't find affordable housing for my employees in this city. Rapid population growth from immigration is driving up costs for everyone. We need a pause to catch up on infrastructure.
0830–49Asian$60–100kSome moreAttracting global talent strengthens American research and innovation. A moderate increase in high-skill immigration would be particularly beneficial.

Simulation Methodology

Demographic Variables Used
age_groupeduc_group
Quality Metrics
LocationRegion Northeast
DomainImmigration
Agents8
ATP priors sourcePew ATP 2021 (synthetic demo)
data/simulations/1__region_northeast__immigration/