Quick Answer

America is experiencing a generational shift on immigration.

Gen Z (ages 14-29) and younger millennials (ages 29-38) are significantly more supportive of immigrants and legal immigration pathways than older generations. That shift isn’t accidental. It’s rooted in lived diversity, economic literacy, cultural influence, and values alignment.

These Gen Z immigration attitudes are informed by their diverse experiences and interactions with immigrant communities.

The evolving Gen Z immigration attitudes reflect a commitment to inclusivity and understanding towards immigrant communities.

The evolving Gen Z immigration attitudes indicate a strong preference for inclusive policies that recognize and support immigrant contributions.

At the same time, aggressive immigration enforcement policies — especially high-profile ICE tactics and deportation campaigns — increasingly clash with the priorities young Americans say matter most: fairness, dignity, accountability, and proportionality.

This reflects the broader Gen Z immigration attitudes toward justice and equality.

This is not a fringe movement. It is demographic reality.

Executive Summary — Key Takeaways

• • Gen Z is the most pro-immigrant generation in modern U.S. history.
  • Americans under 30 are significantly more likely than older generations to support increasing legal immigration and providing legal status pathways.
  • The immigration divide is increasingly generational, not just partisan.
  • Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history, making immigration a lived reality rather than an abstract issue.
  • Immigrants are disproportionately likely to start businesses and have founded a large share of U.S. billion-dollar companies.
  • Many of the brands and technologies young Americans use daily were created by immigrant entrepreneurs.
  • Gen Z prioritizes fairness, proportionality, and institutional accountability in evaluating public policy.
  • Aggressive immigration enforcement tactics face increased scrutiny among younger Americans
  • Viral social media coverage amplifies enforcement actions and shapes youth perception in real time.
  • Prominent entertainers and cultural leaders with large Gen Z audiences have publicly supported immigrant communities.
  • As Gen Z becomes a larger share of the electorate, immigration policy debates are likely to shift toward reform, modernization, and accountability.
  • The pro-immigrant shift among young Americans is demographic, cultural, and economic — not temporary.

I. The Polling: A Clear Generational Divide

How did the young folks get here on immigration?  The polling tells the story.

1. Young adults are far more likely to support increasing legal immigration

According to Pew Research Center (Dec. 19, 2024), 50% of Americans ages 18–29 say legal immigration should be increased, compared with just 20% of those over 50.

That is a 30-point generational gap.

Through various platforms, Gen Z expresses their immigration attitudes, demonstrating their commitment to positive change.

2. National attitudes toward immigration have grown more positive

Gallup (July 11, 2025) found that 79% of Americans now say immigration is a good thing for the country — the highest level Gallup has recorded.

Such data aligns with the growing body of evidence highlighting Gen Z immigration attitudes as pivotal for future reforms.

See: Gallup — Surge in Concern About Immigration Abated.

Younger Americans are driving that trend.

These insights about Gen Z immigration attitudes reflect a broader cultural movement towards acceptance and understanding.

3. Younger Americans favor legal status pathways

Pew Research (Nov. 22, 2024) reports younger adults are more likely than older Americans to support allowing undocumented immigrants to remain legally under certain conditions.

As they navigate their identities, Gen Z immigration attitudes play a significant role in their social interactions.

See: Most Americans say undocumented immigrants should be able to stay legally under certain conditions.

Support for reform — not mass removal — is mainstream among young adults.

This evolving perspective on immigration highlights the importance of listening to Gen Z immigration attitudes as they engage in advocacy.

II. Why Gen Z Is More Pro-Immigrant

1. Gen Z Is the Most Diverse Generation in U.S. History

Gen Z grew up in a country where multiculturalism is normal.

Research from PRRI — The Power of Diverse Networks Among Young Americans shows Gen Z is roughly half non-white and embedded in diverse social networks.

Immigration is not abstract for this generation.

It’s personal.

2. Gen Z Demands Accountability (“Receipts Culture”)

Institutional trust is low — but scrutiny is high.

The Edelman Gen Z Lab Special Report (2025) emphasizes that Gen Z demands transparency and proof from institutions.

When enforcement actions appear excessive, chaotic, or cruel, young audiences do not simply accept official explanations. They document. They amplify. They mobilize.

3. Values Alignment Is Central

According to the Deloitte 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, younger generations prioritize fairness, dignity, and purpose in evaluating leadership.

Immigration policy is judged through that values lens.

These values are reflected in the ways Gen Z immigration attitudes shape discussions around policy and reform.

Aggressive ICE tactics, prolonged detention, or family separation are evaluated not merely as enforcement — but as moral questions.

Gen Z immigration attitudes are increasingly recognized as a driving force in shaping the narrative around immigration reform.

III. The Economic Reality: Immigrants Built What Gen Z Uses Every Day

Young Americans are also economically pragmatic.

The connection between economic opportunity and Gen Z immigration attitudes is becoming more apparent.

They understand that immigrants are not only workers — they are founders, innovators, and economic drivers.

Immigrants fuel entrepreneurship

According to New American Economy / American Immigration Council research, immigrants are more likely than native-born Americans to start businesses.

Immigrants founded iconic brands Gen Z interacts with daily:

• Google (Sergey Brin)

• Tesla (Elon Musk, immigrant entrepreneur)

• Stripe (founded by Irish immigrants)

• eBay (Pierre Omidyar)

• Intel (Andy Grove)

• Moderna (Noubar Afeyan, co-founder)

See: National Foundation for American Policy — Immigrant Founders of Billion-Dollar Companies.

Gen Z consumes products, apps, and brands built by immigrants.

Supporting immigrants is not just humanitarian — it aligns with economic reality.

IV. Entertainment Leaders Amplifying Pro-Immigrant Messaging

Through their platforms, they amplify Gen Z immigration attitudes and promote a more inclusive society.

Cultural leadership matters deeply for young audiences.

Major artists and entertainers with enormous Gen Z followings have publicly criticized harsh immigration enforcement tactics and supported immigrant communities.

Bad Bunny

The global music icon has repeatedly condemned anti-immigrant rhetoric and supported immigrant communities publicly.

See: Rolling Stone — Bad Bunny on Immigration and Politics.

America Ferrera

An outspoken advocate for immigrant families and DACA recipients.

See: The New York Times — America Ferrera on Immigration Advocacy.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Creator of Hamilton, Miranda has long advocated for Puerto Rican and immigrant rights.

See: NBC News — Lin-Manuel Miranda speaks on immigration and Puerto Rico.

Selena Gomez

Has publicly shared her family’s immigration story and supported immigrant rights causes.

See: Time Magazine — Selena Gomez on Her Family’s Immigration Story.

These entertainers shape discourse for millions of young Americans.

When they frame immigration through dignity and shared humanity, it reinforces generational norms.

These changing Gen Z immigration attitudes indicate a potential shift in public perception and policy direction.

V. Where Trump’s Enforcement Strategy Collides With Gen Z Values

Polling suggests growing discomfort with large-scale deportation campaigns.

See: Pew Research — Growing shares say the Trump administration is doing too much to deport immigrants (Dec. 2025).

For Gen Z, several tensions stand out:

• Mass enforcement vs. proportionality

• Civil detention vs. criminal framing

• Family unity vs. removal

• Economic contribution vs. deportation

Younger Americans are not uniformly pro-open borders. But they are more likely to favor:

• Legal pathways

• Humane enforcement

• Reform over mass removal

• Accountability for abuse

VI. This Is a Youth-Led Movement

On campuses, on TikTok, and in digital activism spaces, immigration advocacy is heavily youth-driven.

• Know-your-rights explainers go viral.

  This is part of a larger movement driven by Gen Z immigration attitudes, illustrating their commitment to advocacy.

• Campus immigrant coalitions organize rapid response networks.

• Social media campaigns spotlight detention conditions.

• Influencers humanize immigrant stories.

Gen Z doesn’t just hold pro-immigrant views.

They operationalize them.

VII. The Long-Term Implication

Demography is destiny in politics.

As Gen Z becomes a larger share of the electorate, immigration attitudes will likely shift national policy debates.

This generational alignment — diversity, economic literacy, cultural solidarity, and accountability demands — suggests that harsh enforcement-first strategies may face sustained cultural resistance from younger Americans.

The data shows it.
The economy reflects it.
Culture amplifies it.

And the movement is growing.

As these attitudes evolve, the implications for policy and social justice are significant, driven by Gen Z immigration attitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Are Young Americans So Pro-Immigrant?

1. Is Gen Z really more pro-immigrant than older generations?

Yes.

Multiple national surveys show Americans ages 18–29 are significantly more likely to support increasing legal immigration and providing legal status pathways for undocumented immigrants than older age groups.

According to Pew Research Center (Dec. 19, 2024), 50% of adults under 30 support increasing legal immigration, compared with only 20% of Americans over 50.

That gap represents one of the largest generational divides in modern immigration polling.

2. Why does Gen Z tend to support immigrants more than older Americans?

There are three primary reasons:

1. Demographics — Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history.
2. Social proximity — Young Americans are more likely to personally know immigrants.
3. Values alignment — Surveys show Gen Z prioritizes fairness, dignity, and institutional accountability.

Research from PRRI (Jan. 30, 2024) highlights how diverse social networks shape attitudes toward immigration and race.

For Gen Z, immigration is not abstract. It is relational.

3. Do most young Americans support open borders?

No.

Polling consistently shows young Americans support legal immigration pathways, humanitarian protections, and reform — not the elimination of borders.

Support is strongest for:

• Increasing legal immigration channels
• Providing legal status under certain conditions
• Humane enforcement practices

See: Pew Research (Nov. 22, 2024).

4. How do young Americans view aggressive ICE enforcement?

Recent polling suggests growing discomfort with large-scale deportation efforts and enforcement approaches perceived as excessive.

These shifts in Gen Z immigration attitudes require careful consideration from policymakers moving forward.

Pew Research (Dec. 2025) found increasing shares of Americans say the administration is doing “too much” to deport immigrants.

See: Pew Research — Growing shares say administration is doing too much to deport immigrants.

Younger Americans are more likely to evaluate enforcement through a proportionality lens — asking whether actions match the severity of the offense.

Gen Z immigration attitudes will continue to influence how discussions around immigration enforcement unfold.

5. Are immigrants actually important to the U.S. economy?

Yes.

Research shows immigrants are disproportionately likely to start businesses and found high-growth companies.

The National Foundation for American Policy has documented that immigrants have founded or co-founded a large share of U.S. billion-dollar startup companies.

Young Americans interact daily with immigrant-founded brands across technology, medicine, and entertainment.

Economic literacy influences generational attitudes.

6. Why are so many entertainers and influencers speaking out on immigration?

Pop culture leaders often reflect the demographics of their audiences.

Artists such as Bad Bunny, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Selena Gomez, and America Ferrera have publicly supported immigrant communities and criticized harsh immigration rhetoric.

See:
Rolling Stone — Bad Bunny on immigration
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/bad-bunny-immigration-comments-1234621470/

Time — Selena Gomez on her family’s immigration story
https://time.com/6283200/selena-gomez-immigration-story/

Entertainment influence shapes youth political awareness.

When cultural leaders humanize immigrants, it reinforces generational empathy.

This awareness shapes Gen Z immigration attitudes, framing the discourse in terms of equity and justice.

7. Is the U.S. becoming more pro-immigration overall?

Yes.

Gallup reports a record-high 79% of Americans say immigration is good for the country.

See: Gallup (July 11, 2025).

However, attitudes vary by age, education level, and political affiliation.

The strongest positive shifts are among younger voters.

8. Will Gen Z’s immigration views change U.S. policy long term?

Demographic trends suggest generational attitudes will influence future policy debates.

As Gen Z becomes a larger share of the electorate, support for legal pathways, reform, and humane enforcement is likely to grow in political salience.

Immigration policy debates may increasingly center on:

• Legal modernization
• Accountability in enforcement
• Family unity
• Economic contribution

Rather than exclusively on restriction.

9. Is support for immigrants only about humanitarian values?

No.

While dignity and fairness are key drivers, economic pragmatism also plays a major role.

Younger Americans understand immigrants:

• Pay taxes
• Start companies
• Fill labor shortages
• Contribute to innovation

Pro-immigrant attitudes are both moral and economic.

10. Why does immigration generate such strong reactions online?

Thus, Gen Z immigration attitudes will play a crucial role in determining the future of immigration policy in the U.S.

Immigration intersects with:

• Identity
• Race
• Economic opportunity
• National sovereignty
• Media framing

For Gen Z, immigration debates often reflect broader concerns about fairness, equity, and institutional trust.

Because Gen Z is highly active on social media, immigration content spreads quickly — especially when tied to enforcement actions or viral footage.

Ultimately, Gen Z immigration attitudes reflect a generation committed to justice and inclusivity.

Resource Directory: Gen Z, Immigration, Culture & Enforcement

I. Immigrant Entrepreneurship & Economic Contribution (HLG)

These themes are echoed in ongoing discussions about Gen Z immigration attitudes and their implications.

• Top Immigrant-Founded Companies: 40 Famous Brands
Comprehensive breakdown of major U.S. brands founded by immigrants and the economic impact of immigrant entrepreneurs.

• Immigrant, Inc.: Why Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Driving the New Economy
Overview of Richard Herman’s book and research on immigrant-driven economic innovation.

• Welcoming Immigrants Strengthens the Economy
Analysis of how immigrant entrepreneurship supports economic growth and innovation.

II. Public Perception, Trump Policy & Enforcement Escalation (HLG)

• Trump’s 2025 Deportation Surge: What Non-Criminal Immigrants Need to Know
Detailed analysis of expanded deportation priorities and enforcement trends.

• How ICE Enforcement Harms Vulnerable Populations
Documentation of the humanitarian consequences of aggressive enforcement.

• Youngstown ICE Detention Strategy Guide
Local enforcement impact and detention strategy analysis.

• Immigration Bond Hearing Guide
Practical legal strategy for detainees and families.

• We Will Not Back Down: Herman Legal Group Responds to Attacks on Immigration Lawyers
Firm response to political attacks on immigration advocacy.

III. Cultural & Media Commentary

• Top Immigrant-Founded Companies: 40 Famous Brands
Frequently cited in media discussions about immigrant economic contribution.

• Devastating Business Impact of ICE Raids in Columbus Ohio
Real-world economic consequences of enforcement on immigrant-owned businesses.

• Rolling Stone — Bad Bunny on Immigration
Example of major entertainers speaking out on immigration policy.

• Time — Selena Gomez on Her Family’s Immigration Story
Personal immigrant narratives shaping youth cultural perception.

IV. National Polling & Generational Attitudes

• Pew Research Center — Americans lean toward keeping legal immigration steady (Dec. 19, 2024)
Shows strong generational divide on increasing legal immigration.

• Pew Research Center — Most Americans say undocumented immigrants should stay legally under conditions (Nov. 22, 2024)
Younger Americans more likely to support legalization.

• Gallup — Surge in Concern About Immigration Abated (July 11, 2025)
Record-high positive national sentiment toward immigration.

V. Foundational Legal Context (HLG)

• What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?
Explains the legal advocacy role in defending immigrant rights.

• Book a Consultation with Herman Legal Group
Direct access to legal strategy support.

Understanding Gen Z immigration attitudes is essential for fostering a more inclusive future.