Polls & Research

Americans Assess Illegal Immigration

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More people in the United States think the government is not securing the country's borders effectively, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 81 per cent of respondents believe the current administration is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from getting into the U.S., up four points since May 2006.

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, 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. 62 per cent of respondents support offering illegal immigrants who are already in the U.S. a chance to keep their jobs and eventually apply for legal status.

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."

On Apr. 18, Republican South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham referred to the current discussions on the president's bill, saying, "It's been tough going. (...) I still say it's 50-50. But last year, people were talking about what divided them. Now, we're talking about how to solve the problem."

Polling Data

Do you think the United States is or is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from coming into this country?

Do you think illegal immigrants who are living and working in the United States now should be offered a chance to keep their jobs and eventually apply for legal status, or do you think they should be deported back to their native country?