A majority of Americans think it is fair to characterize MS-13 gangbangers as "animals," according to a new poll.
Taken in the wake of a controversy that swirled around President Donald Trump for using the term at an immigration meeting, the Harvard CAPS/Harris survey — released to The Hill — found 56 percent of adults think the word was acceptable, while 44 percent said it was unfair.
Fifty-two percent added that comments which "dehumanize" MS-13 members are acceptable, the survey found.
On the issue of immigration in general, the poll found Americans generally support immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for "Dreamers" — young illegal immigrants brought to America as children.
Almost two-thirds of respondents said they would back a deal that provides Dreamers with a pathway to citizenship — in exchange for shifting immigration rules to prioritize merit over family ties, eliminating the diversity visa lottery, and funding "barrier security" on the southern border, The Hill reported.
The Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll online survey of 1,347 registered voters was conducted May 21-22. The partisan breakdown is 37 percent Democrat, 32 percent Republican, 29 percent Independent and 2 percent other.
Full poll results will be posted online later this week, according to The Hill.