Why President Trump Keeps Winning on Illegal Immigration Issue

President Donald Trump's proposal for sending illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities is supported by 46% of voters nationwide, according to a ScottRasmussen.com national survey. Fifty-four percent are opposed.

Despite this tepid support, raising the issue is likely to benefit the president's reelection prospects. That's partly because it's an issue that fires up his base supporters; 75% of Republicans like the plan, and they are following the story more intensely than Democrats are.

Additionally, Republicans view the issue of illegal immigration as far more significant than their opponents do. In fact, 41% of GOP voters consider it America's top national security threat. Only 3% of Democrats agree.

But the biggest benefit of raising the issue comes from the president's masterful ability to provoke his opponents into saying things that help his cause. This time, it was pop singer Cher, who complained that her city and state can't afford to handle so many undocumented immigrants, so "How Can it Take Care Of More"? Then, in a follow-up comment, the singer made it clear she also opposed turning over the immigrants to customs officials.

That's precisely the imagery the president wants. Every time he suggests something -- anything -- to address illegal immigration, his opponents say it can't or shouldn't be done. This time, it was Cher. Earlier in the year, it was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer standing firm against a border wall.