Polls & Research

Americans Do Not Expect Immigration Reform

- Many adults in the United States believe their elected lawmakers will not deal properly with immigration, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 51 per cent of respondents think it is unlikely for the U.S. Congress to pass a serious immigration reform.

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 Oct. 26, Bush signed the Secure Fence Act of 2006—which authorizes the construction of a 1,100-kilometre barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border—saying, "There is a rational middle ground between granting an automatic pass to citizenship for every illegal immigrant and a program of mass deportation." 68 per cent of respondents it is more important to gain control of the border than legalizing undocumented workers.

American voters renewed the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate on Nov. 7. The Democratic Party will take control of the lower house for the first time since 1994, with at least 232 lawmakers. A victory for the Democratic candidates for the Senate in Montana and Virginia also gave the party a majority in the upper house.

Last month, Republican California congressman Ken Calvert discussed the impending immigration legislation, saying, "Obviously we're no longer in the majority and that means the new majority, the Democratic Party in the House along with the Senate, may attempt to pass an amnesty bill. I'll be doing what I can to stop it."

Polling Data

How likely is it that serious immigration reform will be passed by Congress?

What is more important, gaining control of the border or legalizing undocumented workers?