November 13, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Immigration remains a key topic for voters in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 75 per cent of respondents believe the issue is very or somewhat important in an election, up six points since September.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Immigration remains a key topic for voters in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 75 per cent of respondents believe the issue is very or somewhat important in an election, up six points since September.

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. 49 per cent of respondents believe that if an illegal alien gives birth to a child in the U.S., that child should not be entitled to U.S. citizenship.

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.

On Nov. 10, U.S. ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza said the Bush administration would oppose the idea of building a giant wall around the United States, saying, "As the former governor of Texas, (the president) knows that such proposals are both unrealistic and undesirable." 60 per cent of respondents would support building a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border to help reduce illegal immigration.

American voters will renew the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate in November 2006.

Polling Data

In terms of impacting your vote, how important is the immigration issue?

	Nov. 2005	Sept. 2005
Very important	46%	38%
Somewhat important	29%	31%
Not very important	15%	20%
Not at all important	6%	7%

If an illegal alien gives birth to a child in the United States, should that child be entitled to United States citizenship?

Yes	41%
No	49%

Another proposal has been made to build a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. Do you favour or oppose building a barrier to help reduce illegal immigration?

Favour	60%
Oppose	26%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,500 American adults, conducted on Nov. 4 to Nov. 6, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.