(03/26/09) -

Most in U.S. Would Punish Illegal Worker Hirers

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Two-thirds of adults in the United States favour strict government sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 68 per cent of respondents agree with this idea, while 22 per cent oppose it.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Two-thirds of adults in the United States favour strict government sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 68 per cent of respondents agree with this idea, while 22 per cent oppose it.

In addition, 48 per cent of respondents support strict government sanctions on landlords who rent or sell property to illegal immigrants.

In March 2006, the Pew Hispanic Center calculated the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. at somewhere between 11.5 million to 12 million.

In May 2006, then U.S. president George W. Bush addressed the nation to discuss his immigration proposals. Bush outlined five clear objectives: securing the borders, creating a temporary worker program, holding employers to account for the workers they hire, allowing illegal immigrants "who have roots" in the country to apply for citizenship, and helping newcomers assimilate into American society.

In 2007, the U.S. Senate discussed and rejected a revised immigration bill, which would have allowed illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa." After paying fees, a $5,000 U.S. fine and then returning to their home countries, they could apply for permanent residency, which could be granted in eight to 13 years. The bill also included a proposal to introduce a points system that would prioritize access to the U.S. for skilled and educated immigrants, as well as new family-reunification guidelines.

Earlier this month, Francis Cardinal George—the Archbishop of Chicago and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops–called for the end of immigration raids and a "fair and comprehensive" immigration reform, saying, "Such reform would be a clear sign this administration is truly about change. (…) We cannot strengthen families when people live in fear from day to day."

Polling Data

In thinking about the immigration issue would you favour or oppose strict government sanctions on landlords who rent or sell property to illegal immigrants?

Would you favour or oppose strict government sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants?

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Mar. 14 and Mar. 15, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.