(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States would endorse minor changes to the country's immigration guidelines, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 51 per cent of respondents think the U.S. Senate should take smaller steps towards reform.

Conversely, 20 per cent of respondents want the upper house to try and pass the bill that has been debated this year, while 16 per cent would wait until next year before changing the rules.

Support for an approach that focuses exclusively on securing the border and reducing illegal immigration reaches 69 per cent, while only 30 per cent of respondents favour paying attention exclusively on legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States.

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.

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. On Jun. 13, members of both the Republican and Democratic parties said they would shift the bill's focus towards national security as a way to save it from its current stalemate. U.S. commerce secretary Carlos Gutierrez, who was debating with senators over possible amendments, declared: "This is a national security bill. We are fixing a national security problem."

Polling Data

Should the U.S. Senate try and pass the same immigration bill again, take smaller steps towards reform, or wait until next year?

Would you favour or oppose an approach that focuses exclusively on securing the border and reducing illegal immigration?

Would you favour or oppose an approach that focuses exclusively on legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States?

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