(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in the United States remain divided on the status of illegal immigrants who are currently working in their country, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 41 per cent of respondents think these immigrants should be required to leave their jobs and be deported.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in the United States remain divided on the status of illegal immigrants who are currently working in their country, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 41 per cent of respondents think these immigrants should be required to leave their jobs and be deported.
Conversely, 31 per cent of respondents would allow these workers to stay in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship, while 18 per cent would let them work in the U.S. on a temporary basis, but without an opportunity to become citizens.
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, Georgia governor Sonny Perdue signed a bill that would penalize local governments who fail to check the immigration status of persons they hire and those who receive public benefits. The law will come into effect in January 2010.
Polling Data
Now, thinking about immigration. Which of these statements comes closer to your own point of view on the status of illegal immigrants who are currently working in the United States?
|
They should be allowed to stay in the U.S., and eventually apply for citizenship |
31% |
|
They should be allowed to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis, but they should not become citizens |
18% |
|
They should be required to leave their jobs and be deported from the U.S. |
41% |
|
Not sure |
10% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted from May 6 to May 8, 2009. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
