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Americans Would Fine Illegal Immigrant Employers
- Many adults in the United States believe persons who hire undocumented immigrants should be punished, according to a poll by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. 63 per cent of respondents support fining businesses that employ illegal immigrants.
In March, the Pew Hispanic Center calculated the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States at somewhere between 11.5 million to 12 million.
On May 15, 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.
On Aug. 5, Bush discussed the implementation of specific measures to deal with employers, saying, "To help honest businesses follow the law, I propose more effective tools to verify the legal status of workers. These tools should include a tamper-proof identification card for legal foreign workers. By taking these steps, we will make it easier for businesses to obey the law and leave them no excuse for violating it."
Polling Data
Some communities have passed local laws to fine businesses that hire illegal immigrants. In general do you support or oppose fining businesses that employ illegal immigrants?
Support | 63% |
Oppose | 33% |
Not sure | 4% |
Source: Quinnipiac University Polling Institute
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,623 registered American voters, conducted from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.