Polls & Research

Mexicans Doubtful of U.S. Immigration Bill

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Mexico remain sceptical about the introduction of new immigration guidelines in the United States, according to a poll by Parametría. 60 per cent of respondents believe U.S. president George W. Bush will not keep his promise of enacting an immigration reform, while 19 per cent think he will live up to his pledge.

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.

In May 2006, 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.

In mid-March, Bush met with Mexican president Felipe Calderón in México. In a joint press conference, Bush defended his proposed immigration bill saying, "If people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses."

On Apr. 9, Bush discussed his immigration proposals. Speaking to a group of border-patrol officers at the U.S.-Mexico boundary, the president said: "Congress is going to take up the legislation on immigration. It is a matter of national interest and it's a matter of deep conviction for me. I've been working to bring Republicans and Democrats together to resolve outstanding issues so that Congress can pass a comprehensive bill and I can sign it into law this year."

Republican Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo—who is running for the GOP's presidential nomination in 2008—has repeatedly expressed disappointment with the Bush administration's take on immigration reform. On Apr. 14, Tancredo declared: "I will never grant amnesty to illegal immigrants."

Polling Data

Do you think U.S. president George W. Bush will keep his promise of enacting an immigration reform?