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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Texans Want Cops to Enforce Immigration Laws
Credit:Flag courtesy of ITA’s Flags of All Countries used with permission.
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the Lone Star State believe more manpower is required to effectively deal with immigration, according to a poll by Scripps Research Center. 75 per cent of respondents support allowing police officers to enforce immigration laws.
The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service estimates that more than 7 million illegal immigrants are currently living in the country. A recent report by the Pew Hispanic Center calculated the number of undocumented immigrants at 10.3 million. While California is home to most workers, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have the greatest rates of increase.
Earlier this year, Arizona governor Janet Napolitano vetoed a bill which would have allowed police officers to act as immigration agents to arrest undocumented migrants.
In April, more than 800 volunteers participated in the Minuteman Project, guarding the Arizona-Sonora border and reporting illegal activity to federal agents. The group has plans to expand its operations to other American states. 47 per cent of respondents support having citizens patrol the border, while 49 per cent are opposed.
In January 2004, U.S. president George W. Bush tabled his proposal for a major overhaul of the U.S. immigration system. The plan includes a "temporary worker program" that would grant legal status to undocumented workers, who would pay taxes, be required to return to their home country after three years, and receive no special preference if they decide to apply for permanent citizenship.
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose allowing police officers to enforce immigration laws?
Support | 75% |
Oppose | 19% |
Do you support or oppose having citizens patrol the border?
Support | 47% |
Oppose | 49% |
Source: Scripps Research Center
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 adult Texans, conducted from Nov. 23 to Nov. 29, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.