Polls & Research

Americans Pick Enforcement in Immigration Debate

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States believe the solution to illegal immigration lies in following existing rules and regulations, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 58 per cent of respondents think the problem would be solved enforcing the current laws, while 34 per cent call for a complete legislative overhaul.

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. 51 per cent of respondents would set up a system to allow illegal immigrants to become legal residents, while 39 per cent support massive deportations.

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. 55 per cent of respondents are in favour of raiding businesses that employ large numbers of illegal immigrants.

Last month, the U.S. Senate discussed a revised immigration bill, which would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa." After paying fees, a $5,000 U.S. fine and then returning to their home countries, they could apply for permanent residency, which could be granted in eight to 13 years. The bill also includes a proposal to introduce a points system that would prioritize access to the U.S. for skilled and educated immigrants, as well as new family-reunification guidelines.

On Jun. 7, the U.S. Senate voted 45-50 on a motion to limit debate on the proposed immigration bill. Senate majority leader Harry Reid withdrew the bill from the upper house floor, saying, "We are finished with this for the time being. (...) This is the president's bill. We can't do it alone over here. We need some help."

Democratic California senator Dianne Feinstein expressed disappointment with critics who referred to the proposed bill as "amnesty," adding, "I've never received more hate or more racist phone calls and threats."

Polling Data

Which of the following statements comes closest to what you think the country needs to do to solve the illegal immigration problem?

If it were possible to locate most illegal immigrants currently in the United States, would you favour deporting as many as possible or would you favour setting up a system for them to become legal residents?

The government has staged a number of raids on businesses that employ large numbers of illegal immigrants where undocumented workers are immediately sent to detention centers. Do you generally support or oppose these raids?