Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 2d

Read the full poll:

www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/10...

A Strong Majority of Voters Continue to Back the U.S. Refugee Program Amid Serious Threats to the Program

This survey shows voters continue to show openness toward accepting individuals who are seeking safety in the United States.

www.dataforprogress.org

6

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 2d

NEW with @refugeeadvocacylab.bsky.social and @refugeesinternational.org:

Voters support the U.S. having a refugee resettlement program that helps bring people seeking safety to the United States.

This includes 79% of Democrats, 68% of Independents, and 59% of Republicans.

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Likely Voters Across Party Lines Believe the U.S. Should Have a Refugee Program.
Description: A refugee is a person who is forced to leave their country in order to escape war, violence, or persecution due to factors such as their race, religion, or political opinion. Do you believe the government should have a refugee program that helps bring some people seeking refuge to safety in the United States?

Key:

a = The government should have a refugee program

b = Don’t know

c = The government should not have a refugee program

Results:

All likely voters — a: 69%, b: 9%, c: 22%

Democrat — a: 79%, b: 7%, c: 14%

Independent / Third party — a: 68%, b: 10%, c: 22%

Republican — a: 59%, b: 11%, c: 30%

Yes, I know someone who is a refugee — a: 84%, b: 1%, c: 14%

No, I do not know someone who is a refugee — a: 69%, b: 8%, c: 23%

Survey conducted September 26–28, 2025 among 1,231 U.S. likely voters.

1 10 22

Reposted by Data for Progress

Refugee Advocacy Lab @refugeeadvocacylab.bsky.social · 2d

📈NEW POLL: The Lab, @refugeesinternational.org & @dataforprogress.org find that more than two-thirds of voters believe the US should have a refugee resettlement program.
This poll also shows the deep unpopularity of several other immigration policy changes.
www.refugeeadvocacylab.org/resources/st...

Image reads, “ New Poll. Strong Majority of U.S. Voters Support Refugee Resettlement as Administration Plans to Slash Program by Nearly 95 Percent.” Below the text from left to right are the logos of the Refugee Advocacy Lab, Refugees International, and Data for Progress. The background of the image is a photo taken of participants listening to speakers during 2025 Refugee Council USA Advocacy Days taken by Megan Smith, Refugee Advocacy Lab.

1 17 20

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 3d

We continue to find that more voters blame Republicans (44%) than Democrats (34%) for the ongoing government shutdown.

www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/oct...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: A Plurality of Voters Continue to Blame Trump and Republicans for the Shutdown.
Description: Who do you blame the most for the ongoing government shutdown?
All likely voters — President Trump and Republicans in Congress: 44%, Democrats in Congress: 34%, Blame both equally: 20%, Not sure: 2%
Democrat — President Trump and Republicans in Congress: 75%, Democrats in Congress: 7%, Blame both equally: 15%, Not sure: 2%
Independent / Third party — President Trump and Republicans in Congress: 43%, Democrats in Congress: 26%, Blame both equally: 28%, Not sure: 3%
Republican — President Trump and Republicans in Congress: 14%, Democrats in Congress: 65%, Blame both equally: 20%, Not sure: 2%

October 3–6, 2025 survey of 1,232 U.S. likely voters.

2 15

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 3d

By a +19-point margin, voters say that Democrats should only vote for a government funding bill that reverses Republican health care cuts.

www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/oct...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Agree That Democrats Should Only Vote for a Funding Bill if It Reverses Republican Health Care Cuts.
Description: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Republicans' health care cuts will kick millions off their plans and hike health care premiums by an average of 75% for those who can stay insured. Democrats in Congress should only vote for a government funding bill that reverses Republican health care cuts, even if that means the government shutdown continues.
All likely voters — Agree: 54%, Disagree: 34%
Democrat — Agree: 79%, Disagree: 10%
Independent / Third party — Agree: 50%, Disagree: 34%
Republican — Agree: 30%, Disagree: 58%

October 3–6, 2025 survey of 1,232 U.S. likely voters.

1 9 37

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 4d

Conversion therapy itself is unpopular — voters oppose the practice of conversion therapy by a -30-point margin.

www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/6/...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: A Strong Majority of Voters Oppose "Conversion Therapy".
Description: "Conversion therapy" is based on the idea that being LGBTQ+ is something that can and should be fixed. An example of "conversion therapy" is attempting to change a gay young person to be straight, even if they are gay. It is opposed by LGBTQ+ advocates. Do you support or oppose the practice of "conversion therapy"?
All likely voters — Support: 30%, Oppose: 60%
Democrat — Support: 19%, Oppose: 73%
Independent / Third party — Support: 24%, Oppose: 63%
Republican — Support: 43%, Oppose: 46%

June 6–8, 2025 survey of 1,155 U.S. likely voters.

1 1 8

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 4d

This ruling would be against public opinion — our June polling found that a majority of voters believe states should be allowed to ban conversion therapy.

www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/6/...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Think the Supreme Court Should Allow States to Ban "Conversion Therapy" for Minors.
Description: The Supreme Court will soon decide whether states should be allowed to ban "conversion therapy." Currently, more than 20 states ban licensed professionals from subjecting minors to conversion therapy. Do you think the Supreme Court should or should not allow states to ban conversion therapy?
Response Options:
A) The Supreme Court should allow states to ban conversion therapy for minors
B) Don't know
C) The Supreme Court should not allow states to ban conversion therapy, and should end existing state policies banning conversion therapy for minors
All likely voters — 56% chose A, 12% chose B, 32% chose C
Democrat — 57% chose A, 12% chose B, 31% chose C
Independent / Third party — 53% chose A, 18% chose B, 29% chose C
Republican — 56% chose A, 10% chose B, 34% chose C

June 6–8, 2025 survey of 1,155 U.S. likely voters.

3 4 11

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 5d

Read the full poll here: www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/pol...

Polling on the Block the Bombs Act (September 2025)

www.dataforprogress.org

1

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 5d

NEW: A majority of voters (55%) support the Block the Bombs Act, which would prohibit the U.S. from selling large bombs and heavy artillery shells to Israel.

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Support the Block the Bombs Act.
Description: Some members of Congress have proposed the Block the Bombs Act, which would prohibit the United States from selling large bombs and heavy artillery shells to Israel. Do you support or oppose this legislation?
All likely voters — Support: 55%, Oppose: 35%
Democrat — Support: 67%, Oppose: 23%
Independent / Third party — Support: 57%, Oppose: 33%
Republican — Support: 41%, Oppose: 49%

September 26–28, 2025 survey of 1,231 U.S. likely voters.

3 7 29

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 8d

Our polling with @groundwork.bsky.social finds that 75% of voters are concerned about rising health care premiums, including 82% of Democrats, 74% of Independents, and 69% of Republicans.

www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/pre...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Are Very Concerned About Rising Health Care Premiums.
Description: How concerned are you, if at all, about health insurance premiums rising this year?
All likely voters — Concerned: 75%, Not concerned: 25%
Democrat — Concerned: 82%, Not concerned: 18%
Independent / Third party — Concerned: 74%, Not concerned: 25%
Republican — Concerned: 68%, Not concerned: 31%

September 29–30, 2025 survey of 1,245 U.S. likely voters.

6 15

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 9d

Voters disapprove of Trump's H-1B visa fee by a -9-point margin.

www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/10...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Disapprove of Trump's H-1B Visa Fee.
Description: The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire a highly skilled foreign worker with a college degree in a specialized role. Recently, President Donald Trump added a $100,000 fee to the H-1B visa program, which will require companies to pay $100,000 to obtain an H-1B visa. Do you approve or disapprove of Trump adding a $100,000 fee to the H-1B visa?
All likely voters — Approve: 41%, Disapprove: 50%
Democrat — Approve: 20%, Disapprove: 74%
Independent / Third party — Approve: 32%, Disapprove: 55%
Republican — Approve: 68%, Disapprove: 24%

September 26–28, 2025 survey of 1,231 U.S. likely voters.

15

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 9d

NEW: Most voters (65%) say highly skilled immigration helps the U.S. by bringing in the “best and brightest,” while 29% think it takes jobs from Americans.

www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/10...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Think Highly Skilled Immigration Helps More Than It Hurts.
Description: Which of the following comes closest to your view, even if neither is entirely correct?
Response Options:
A) Highly skilled immigration is good for the U.S. because it allows the U.S. to benefit from the talent of the best and brightest across the world.
B) Don't know
C) Highly skilled immigration is bad for the U.S. because it takes job opportunities away from Americans who could work those jobs instead.
All likely voters — 65% chose A, 6% chose B, 29% chose C
Democrat — 75% chose A, 7% chose B, 18% chose C
Independent / Third party — 67% chose A, 7% chose B, 26% chose C
Republican — 54% chose A, 6% chose B, 41% chose C

September 26–28, 2025 survey of 1,231 U.S. likely voters.

1 4 22

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 11d

NEW: By a -14-point margin, voters do not trust Trump to provide guidance on public health.

This includes a -28-point margin among Independents.

www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/pol...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Do Not Trust Trump to Provide Public Health Advice.
Description: How much do you trust President Trump to provide guidance to the country on public health?
All likely voters — Trust: 41%, Don't trust: 56%
Democrat — Trust: 10%, Don't trust: 87%
Independent / Third party — Trust: 35%, Don't trust: 63%
Republican — Trust: 76%, Don't trust: 22%

September 26–28, 2025 survey of 1,231 U.S. likely voters.

9 30

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 11d

Read the full poll:

www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/9/...

Americans Are Ready for Affordable, Green Housing Solutions

More than 3 in 5 adults (63%) report that they have experienced at least one indicator of housing precarity in the last year.

www.dataforprogress.org

1 5

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 11d

Americans widely support affordable green housing policies, including requiring competitive wages and safety standards (77%) and energy efficiency and electrification upgrades (74%).

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: National Adults Widely Support Green Affordable Housing Policy Solutions.
Description: Below are some housing-related policies being considered in your state. Please say whether you support or oppose each policy.
Requiring affordable housing developers to provide competitive wages and high standards of workplace safety in their development projects — Support: 77%, Oppose: 10%
Investing in energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for low- and moderate-income households — Support: 74%, Oppose: 13%
Providing low-interest government loans and other financial support to affordable housing developers to construct new affordable housing with high sustainability standards — Support: 72%, Oppose: 14%

Read the full crosstabs: https://www.filesforprogress.org/datasets/2025/9/dfp_green_housing.pdf

1 4 12

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 11d

A majority of adults (61%) prefer developing affordable housing to ensure essential needs are met.

Only 28% prefer not to increase spending on affordable housing due to concerns over the budget and national debt.

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: A Majority of Adults Would Prefer Greater Government Investment in Affordable Housing to Meet Essential Needs.
Description: Which approach to housing policy do you prefer, even if none are exactly right?
Response Options:
A) The government should increase its spending on affordable housing, because it has a responsibility to ensure taxpayers' essential needs can be met.
B) Don't know
C) The government should not increase its spending on affordable housing, because further spending would strain our budget and increase the national debt.
All adults — 61% chose A, 11% chose B, 28% chose C

Black or African American — 67% chose A, 8% chose B, 25% chose C
White — 58% chose A, 11% chose B, 31% chose C
Latino — 64% chose A, 9% chose B, 27% chose C
Homeowner — 61% chose A, 6% chose B, 33% chose C
Renter — 61% chose A, 14% chose B, 25% chose C

August 15–18, 2025 survey of 1,419 U.S. adults.

1 1 4

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 11d

NEW: A majority of Americans report at least one sign of housing precarity, including:

- Cutting back on essentials to afford housing (44%)

- Reducing other portions of their budget for housing (44%)

- Having difficulty paying housing-related costs like utility bills (35%)

Crosstab chart of polling data from Data For Progress
Title: Experiences of Housing Precarity Vary Widely, With Having to Cut Back on Essentials as the Most Commonly Reported Challenge.
Description: Please indicate if you have personally experienced any of the following housing challenges in the past year.

Having to significantly cut back on essentials (groceries, health care, etc.) to afford housing — All adults: 44%

Having to reduce other portions of my budget to account for rising housing costs — All adults: 44%

Having difficulty paying for housing costs unrelated to my rent or mortgage, like my utility bill or home repairs — All adults: 35%

Difficulty paying rent or mortgage — All adults: 31%

Being unable to find an affordable unit to live in when searching for new housing — All adults: 25%

Missing or being delayed on a payment to my landlord/mortgage lender for financial reasons — All adults: 25%

Read the full crosstabs: https://www.filesforprogress.org/datasets/2025/9/dfp_green_housing.pdf

1 8 13

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 16d

Read the full crosstabs here: www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/pol...

Polling on TikTok Ban (September 2025)

www.dataforprogress.org

1

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 16d

NEW: In March 2023, a majority of voters (55%) supported a national TikTok ban.

Today, that number is down to 43%.

Time series chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Are Now Less Supportive of a TikTok Ban.
Description: Do you support or oppose a national ban on TikTok?

Support — Decreased, with the highest response reported on Mar 29, 2023 (55%) and the lowest response recorded on Sep 22, 2025 (43%).
Oppose — Increased, with the highest response reported on Sep 22, 2025 (47%) and the lowest response recorded on Mar 29, 2023 (37%).
2 surveys of 2,579 U.S. likely voters, conducted March 29, 2023–September 22, 2025.

1 1 12

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 16d

Read the full crosstabs here: www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/pol...

Polling on TikTok Ban (September 2025)

www.dataforprogress.org

2

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 16d

NEW: A strong majority of voters (74%) think the CEOs of major social media companies manipulate their algorithms to promote content that aligns with their political views.

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Most Voters Think Social Media CEO's Manipulate Their Algorithms.
Description: Do you think the CEO's of major social media companies manipulate their algorithms to promote content that aligns with their political views?
All likely voters — Yes, they do this: 74%, Don't know: 13%, No, they do not do this: 13%
Democrat — Yes, they do this: 71%, Don't know: 15%, No, they do not do this: 14%
Independent / Third party — Yes, they do this: 79%, Don't know: 10%, No, they do not do this: 11%
Republican — Yes, they do this: 73%, Don't know: 12%, No, they do not do this: 14%

September 19–22, 2025 survey of 1,361 U.S. likely voters.

1 6 21

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 18d

Read the full poll here: www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/9/...

Voters Support Medical Aid in Dying, Think It Should Only Be Offered to Terminally Ill Patients

A majority of voters think medical aid in dying should be an option for someone with a terminal illness (65%).

www.dataforprogress.org

1 2

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 18d

A majority of voters (56%) also believe that “doctors should be required to wait before offering medical aid in dying to patients until all other options have been offered.”

Title: Voters Think Medical Aid in Dying Should Only Be Offered to Patients After All Other Options Have Been Presented.
Response Options:
A) Doctors should be allowed to offer Medical Aid in Dying to patients upfront, as part of their initial slate of treatment options
B) Doctors should be required to wait before offering Medical Aid in Dying to patients until all other options have been offered
C) Doctors should not be allowed to offer Medical Aid in Dying under any circumstances
D) Don't know
All likely voters — 17% chose A, 56% chose B, 21% chose C, 7% chose D
Democrat — 20% chose A, 53% chose B, 19% chose C, 8% chose D
Independent / Third party — 14% chose A, 63% chose B, 16% chose C, 7% chose D
Republican — 15% chose A, 55% chose B, 25% chose C, 5% chose D

August 29–September 1, 2025 survey of 1,202 U.S. likely voters.

1 1 9

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 18d

NEW: A majority of voters (65%) think medical aid in dying — or, “physician-assisted suicide” — should be an option for someone with a terminal illness.

Title: Voters Support Medical Aid in Dying for People With Terminal Illnesses, but Not for Other Cases.
Description: Medical Aid in Dying — sometimes called "physician-assisted suicide" — is a practice in which a doctor helps someone end their life peacefully with a prescription medication, typically to avoid prolonged suffering. Do you think doctors should be allowed to offer each of the following individuals to end their life through Medical Aid in Dying?
Response Options:
A) Doctors should be allowed to offer Medical Aid in Dying to this individual
B) Don't know
C) Doctors should not be allowed to offer Medical Aid in Dying to this individual
Someone with a terminal illness — 65% chose A, 12% chose B, 23% chose C
Someone with a severe disability — 37% chose A, 21% chose B, 42% chose C
Someone with a severe mental illness — 26% chose A, 19% chose B, 55% chose C
See the full poll at dataforprogress.org

2 8 24

Data for Progress @dataforprogress.org · 19d

NEW with Fossil Free Media:

Seventy-three percent of Massachusetts voters support requiring oil and gas companies to pay for the cost of climate damages.

www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/mas...

Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Nearly 3 in 4 Massachusetts Voters Support a "Climate Superfund" Bill.
Description: Some lawmakers are considering a "climate superfund" bill that would require oil and gas companies to pay a share of the cost of climate damages caused by their pollution. Do you support or oppose a "climate superfund" bill that would require oil and gas companies to pay a share of the cost of climate damages caused by their pollution?
All likely voters — Support: 72%, Oppose: 22%
Democrat — Support: 88%, Oppose: 9%
Independent / Third party — Support: 69%, Oppose: 24%
Republican — Support: 49%, Oppose: 46%

September 12–15, 2025 survey of 823 MA likely voters.

6 24