Pew Research: Immigration Policy Seen as a Driver of Grocery Costs

A new survey by Pew Research Center reveals a striking concern among Americans: 42% of U.S. adults believe that increased deportations of immigrants living in the country illegally would lead to higher food prices in their area. This finding, drawn from a nationally representative survey conducted in late February and early March 2025, underscores the public's awareness of how deeply immigration policies intersect with economic realities.

The link between deportations and food prices likely stems from the critical role immigrant labor plays in U.S. agriculture and food production. Many undocumented workers are employed in farming, meat processing, and other food-related industries—jobs that are physically demanding and often hard to fill. Removing large numbers of these workers could disrupt supply chains, increase labor shortages, and drive up production costs, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers at the grocery store.

Interestingly, perceptions vary significantly across political lines. While 64% of Democrats expect food prices to rise with increased deportations, only 19% of Republicans agree. Independents fall in between, with 41% sharing the concern. There are also demographic differences: Hispanic, Asian, and Black adults are more likely than white adults to foresee price hikes.

What this survey captures is more than just an economic prediction—it reflects a growing recognition that immigration policy isn’t just about borders and laws, but also about everyday life, including the cost of putting food on the table. As debates about immigration enforcement continue, this data highlights a key public concern: the tangible, and often overlooked, ripple effects of policy decisions on communities across the country.