Republican Donald Trump has tapped into new issues like the fear of terrorism and problems of illegal immigration driving American voters who for years have focused mostly on the economy, according to a new survey that helps to identify his winning issues.

A new Economist/YouGov survey also finds that his focus on terrorism has driven a surge in concern about an attack and terror now rivals the economy as the top issue among all voters.



The survey finds that issues driving Trump voters are sometimes different than those for other Republicans and Democrats. Among non-Trump Republicans, traditional social issues like abortion are key and among Democrats the economy and Social Security top terror and immigration.

But Trump has found key issues that millions of other voters are worried about and it has pushed him into the GOP nomination.

According to the survey:

— More than half of Trump supporters today look at illegal immigration as a very serious problem in their communities, compared with 17 percent overall.

— Two-thirds of Trump supporters now believe illegal immigrants are more likely to commit violent crimes, compared with 29 percent overall and 54 percent of all GOP voters.

— Half think the chances of a terrorist attack in the next 12 months are "very likely" compared with one quarter overall.

— 56 percent think more than half of all Muslim worldwide support ISIS, compared with 28 percent overall.

— 88 percent accept his characterization of Mexican immigrants, made at his presidential announcement, as "having lots of problems…bringing drugs…bringing crime…rapists."

— 94 percent of Trump's supporters don't think the United States should accept Syrian refugees who are Muslim – and 59 percent wouldn't accept Syrian refugees who are Christian (most other Republicans and Democrats would).

— 88 percent would construct a wall along the border with Mexico, and 69 percent believe illegal immigrants now in the U.S. should be required to leave.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com