About 8 in 10 Americans, 79%, say immigration is “a good thing” for the country today, an increase from 64% a year ago and a high point in the nearly 25-year trend.

In a marked reversal from a year ago, more Americans now have positive views about immigration, and a record high believes it is good for the nation.

The rise in positive sentiment has been driven largely by Republicans and independents. Among Republicans, support for immigration rose sharply from 39% last year to 65% now. Independents also saw a major shift,