November 23, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in the United States are divided over a program that would allow illegal immigrants currently residing in the country to obtain legal status provided they pass background checks, pay fines and have jobs, according to a poll by Knowledge Networks released by the Associated Press and Yahoo. 51 per cent of respondents favour the measure, while 49 per cent oppose it.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in the United States are divided over a program that would allow illegal immigrants currently residing in the country to obtain legal status provided they pass background checks, pay fines and have jobs, according to a poll by Knowledge Networks released by the Associated Press and Yahoo. 51 per cent of respondents favour the measure, while 49 per cent oppose it.

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.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate discussed and rejected a revised immigration bill, which would have allowed 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 included 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 Nov. 19, Texas governor Rick Perry announced that a public website with links to security cameras along the U.S.-Mexico border will be re-launched early next year. The controversial program—which has been frozen since a test-run last year—allows people to access the video stream online and spot illegal immigrants crossing the border. Perry’s spokeswoman Allison Castle said the "citizen-watch" website, connected to 200 "strategically" placed cameras along the border, will be funded with $3 million U.S. from federal grants. Castle also defended the program, saying, "We were able to determine that using these cameras is effective. (...) It disrupts the criminal activity."

Polling Data

Do you favour or oppose providing a way for illegal immigrants currently in the United States to obtain legal status if they pass background checks, pay fines and have jobs?

Strongly favour	16%
Somewhat favour	35%
Somewhat oppose	23%
Strongly oppose	26%

Source: Knowledge Networks / Associated Press / Yahoo
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,230 American adults, conducted from Nov. 2 to Nov. 12, 2007. Margin of error is 2.1 per cent.