Americans Like Mexicans and Their Culture, Don't Think the Same About Their Government: Survey

While a majority of American citizens have high regard for Mexicans living legally in the country, only a few consider Mexico as a close ally, and most have an unfavorable view of the Mexican government, reveals a poll released this week.

A Person Institute/AP-NORC poll reveals that while only 16% of American adults view their southern neighbor as a close ally, two-thirds consider that both countries share responsibility for preventing illegal immigration into the U.S. And 73% say both countries are responsible for preventing illegal drug trafficking.

At a time in which Republican lawmakers and presidential hopefuls have call for tougher measures to procure border security, a majority of Americans (62%) believe that the Mexican government is solely responsible for combating organized crime in Mexico.

The poll included answers from 1,191 U.S. adults interviewed Sept. 21-25 on immigration, drug trafficking and general perception of Mexican nationals in the country.

For instance, 65% of adults have a favorable view of Mexican culture and the pollsters highlight that Americans who interact with it tend to have more positive views about Mexican immigrants living in the U.S., both legally and illegally.

Regarding immigration, almost 7 in 10 Americans have a favorable opinion of Mexican immigrants living legally in the country.

As in many arenas of public life, there is a divide between how Democrats and Republicans view immigration.

According to the poll, Democrats are more likely to say that creating a path for legal immigration is important (57% vs 25%. In turn, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say preventing illegal immigration is important (80% vs 35%).

In terms of how American citizens consider the Mexican government, 38% have an unfavorable opinion of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's (AMLO) administration and only 12% have a favorable one.

Interestingly, only 25% of Hispanic U.S. adults have a favorable view of the Mexican government, and 30% have an unfavorable opinion.