(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Canadians, Australians and Americans are more likely to have a positive opinion of foreign-born residents, according to an eight-country poll by Ipsos released by the Associated Press. 75 per cent of respondents in Canada, and more than half of respondents in Australia and the United States, say immigrants are having a good influence in their respective countries.

Conversely, the responses in five European nations—Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Britain—varied from a high of 47 per cent to a low of 43 per cent.

In December 2004, the Spanish government approved the regularization law. More than 690,000 foreign residents have filed their paperwork to remain in Spain legally.

The French Senate is currently debating a plan to change the country's immigration laws. The proposal calls for the creation of a three-year residence permit for qualified workers, and would simplify the rules for specific sectors that face labour shortages.

On May 25, the U.S. Senate voted 62-36 to pass an immigration reform bill that places illegal immigrants in three different groups depending on the amount of time they have spent in the U.S. The plan favours persons who have lived in the U.S. for more than five years, who would have the option of becoming citizens in six years after paying penalties and back taxes, learning English, and passing a background check.

In Italy and Spain, at least 40 per cent of respondents believe immigrants are more likely to be involved in criminal activity than people who were born in the respective nations. Less than 20 per cent of respondents in the U.S. and Canada agree with the statement.

Polling Data

Overall, would you say immigrants are having a good influence or a bad influence on the way things are going in your country?

Generally, do you think immigrants are more likely to be involved in criminal activity than people born here, less likely, or isn't there much difference?

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