(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The vast majority of people in the United States believe everybody who calls themselves an American citizen should speak the national language, according to a poll by Hart/Newhouse released by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News. 89 per cent of respondents support having all immigrants applying for citizenship being required to learn English.

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.

In May, 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. 35 per cent of respondents support allowing illegal workers who arrived in the U.S. to apply for permanent U.S. residency if they return to their home country within eight years and pay additional fines, and 30 per cent would let illegal workers who arrived in the U.S. before this year to receive an automatic work visa if they pay a fine of around $5,000 U.S.

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. 74 per cent of respondents would support imposing new fines on businesses that hire illegal immigrants.

On Jun. 7, the U.S. Senate voted 45-50 on a motion to limit debate on the proposed immigration bill. Members of both the Republican and Democratic parties have suggested shifting the bill's focus towards national security as a way to save it from its current stalemate. 65 per cent of respondents are in favour of increasing security in the U.S.-Mexico border.

The U.S. Senate is due to resume talks on the proposed immigration bill next week, and will revise up to 20 amendments that were proposed by members of both parties. Yesterday, Democratic Illinois senator Dick Durbin expressed concern for the fate of the legislation, saying, "If there are amendments offensive to Democratic senators, we won't produce (enough votes). If there are amendments offensive the other way, you can imagine the result."

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.

Polling Data

Now I would like to get your reaction to several parts of a possible new immigration bill. Please tell me whether you strongly favour, somewhat favour, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose each of the following parts of this bill.

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