Polls & Research

New Mexico Mulls Diverse Immigration Solutions

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in New Mexico would be open to a plan that would allow migrant workers to provide their services legally, according to a poll by Research and Polling Inc. published in the Albuquerque Journal. 59 per cent of respondents support a temporary worker program giving illegal aliens legal status.

In January 2004, United States president George W. Bush tabled his proposal for a major overhaul of the U.S. immigration system. The plan includes a "temporary worker program" that would grant legal status to undocumented workers, who would pay taxes, be required to return to their home country after three years, and receive no special preference if they decide to apply for permanent citizenship.

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service estimates that more than 7 million illegal immigrants are currently living in the country. A recent report by the Pew Hispanic Center calculated the number of undocumented immigrants at 10.3 million. While California is home to most workers, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have the greatest rates of increase.

In August, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson declared a state of emergency in four counties along the border with Mexico, citing an increase in violence, drug smuggling and undocumented immigrants. 51 per cent of respondents support using the U.S. military to stop illegal border-crossers.

In April, more than 800 volunteers participated in the Minuteman Project, guarding the Arizona-Sonora border and reporting illegal activity to federal agents. The group has plans to expand its operations to other American states. 54 per cent of respondents in New Mexico oppose these patrols.

Polling Data

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