(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States believe people who have lived and worked in the country illegally for at least two years should be allowed to apply for legal status, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 62 per cent of respondents think some illegal immigrants should be given a chance to keep their jobs.

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. 66 per cent of respondents support establishing a program allowing people from other countries to be guest workers in the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and then be required to return to their home country.

In May 2006, 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.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate discussed a revised immigration bill, which would allow 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 includes 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. 67 per cent of respondents favour these provisions.

On May 24, the U.S. Senate voted 66-29 to keep a provision on the bill that offers legal status to most illegal immigrants living in the country. The controversial terms are regarded by some lawmakers as "amnesty" and "impunity."

Bush discussed the legislation, saying, "This bill does not grant amnesty. Amnesty is forgiveness without a penalty. Instead, this bill requires workers here illegally to acknowledge that they broke the law, pay a fine, pass background checks, remain employed, and maintain a clean record. This bill provides the best chance to reform our immigration system and help us make certain we know who's in our country and where they are. Our immigration problems cannot be solved piecemeal. They must be all addressed together, and they must be addressed in logical order."

Polling Data

If you had to choose, what do you think should happen to most illegal immigrants who have lived and worked in the United States for at least two years: They should be given a chance to keep their jobs and eventually apply for legal status, or they should be deported back to their native country?

Would you favour or oppose a program allowing people from other countries to be guest workers in the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and then be required to return to their home country?

Would you favour or oppose allowing illegal immigrants who came into the country before January to apply for a four-year visa that could be renewed, as long as they pay a $5,000 fine, a fee, show a clean work record and pass a criminal background check?

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