immigration has become the most important issue and concern for Americans besides managing the government and the economy, according to the latest Gallup poll released Tuesday.

The survey, conducted from February 1 to 20, showed that 28% of Americans named immigration as their top problem country, which represents a jump of 8 points compared to January last year, when 20% of respondents considered this issue to be the most pressing.

Immigration has not ranked as a top issue among Americans since July 2019 in Gallup’s monthly poll.

In January last year, the main problem for 21% of respondents was public administrationbut this month it is in second place, with 20% of respondents favoring this option.

In third place in importance is Economyfrom 12%, the same figure as in January last year.

Republicans are still alone shifts the balance more towards immigration. In February, 57% of Republicans said immigration was a top issue, up from 37% in January.

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Independents are showing a rebound from 16% in January to 22% this monthand among Democrats there was no significant change (from 9% in January to 10% in February).

Residents of the city Eastern (36%) and Southern (31%) USA are more likely to view immigration as America’s biggest problem compared to those living in the Midwest (25%) and West (22%).

The poll also found that 55% of Americans say that “a large number of immigrants entering the United States illegally” are critical threat for the sake of the vital interests of the United States.

The percentage is a record compared to last year when 47% of respondents thought the same. The previous high was 50% in 2004.

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The poll was released two days after President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump coincide in visits to the Texas-Mexico border, Brownsville and Eagle Pass.accordingly, to address the immigration issue as part of its campaign to prepare for the presidential elections next November. (EFE)