(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A majority of people in the United States believe more should be done to punish employers who hire illegal immigrants, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 55 per cent of respondents think increasing penalties on these employers would be most effective in reducing illegal immigration.

Conversely, 25 per cent of respondents think increasing the number of border patrol agents would help solve the issue, while seven per cent suggest building more fences on the U.S.-Mexico border.

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. 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. 50 per cent of respondents think it is essential that an immigration reform bill be turned into law this year.

On Jun. 14, Democratic Massachusetts senator Ted Kennedy discussed the current state of affairs, saying, "This is about hope and opportunity and progress. Those are the elements which are the essence of what this country's about. This country isn't just described by geography. This country is defined by its values."

Polling Data

Which of the following actions do you think would be most effective in reducing the number of illegal immigrants who come to the U.S. across the Mexican border

Regardless of your views on the current legislation before Congress, do you think it is essential that the president and Congress revise immigration laws this year, is it something they need to do in the next few years, or do the immigration laws not need changing?

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