Recent developments contributing to the ongoing debate about immigration include Obama’s delay of a review of deportation policies by the Department of Homeland Security in the hope of striking a legislative deal on immigration reform with Congress. Also, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s recent primary loss was widely viewed as a defeat rooted in Cantor’s perceived stance on immigration. The primary loss and subsequent shakeup in House leadership could spell greater challenges for Obama as he tries to work with Republicans. Additionally, the media has recently enlarged its spotlight on the increasing numbers of unaccompanied Central American children who have crossed the U.S. border, seeking their already immigrated family members and a generally better life.

Obama’s approval on immigration has dropped since last August across all political affiliations, even among those in his own party. Democrats’ approval has fallen eight points to the current 60%. Approval among independents has also fallen eight points, to 25%. A mere 8% of Republicans approve of the president’s handling of the issue, and though this is not their lowest rating on the measure, their disapproval of the president’s handling of immigration has reached its highest, at 90%.