More migrants trying to cross southern border, adding fuel to election-cycle fire

An increase in immigration at the southern border could play into the race for the White House next year.

And while it’s certainly going to be an election issue, the debate around immigration is likely to look different during the primaries than it does during the general election.

“When you look at polls, they generally tell us that for Republican voters this is a high-priority issue,” said Todd Belt, Political Management program director at The George Washington University. “Usually comes in No. 2, 3 or 4. For independent and Democratic voters, it's far down on the list.”