(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in the United States believe undocumented workers should be allowed to become citizens under two specific conditions, according to a poll by Harris Interactive. 57 per cent of respondents favour creating a program that would allow illegal immigrants already living in the U.S. for a number of years to stay in the country and apply for citizenship if they had a job and paid back taxes.

Support for the proposal drops to 28 per cent, if illegal immigrants are not compelled to pay back taxes.

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. 28, the U.S. Senate failed to approve a motion to limit debate on the bill after a 46-53 vote. Senate majority leader Harry Reid declared: "Immigration is going to have to wait until we get a new president and a new Congress." Bush expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, saying, "A lot of us worked hard to see if we couldn't find common ground. It didn't work."

Polling Data

Thinking about immigration, would you favour or oppose creating a program that would allow illegal immigrants already living in the United States for a number of years to stay in the country and apply for U.S. citizenship if they had a job and paid back taxes?

Thinking about immigration, would you favour or oppose creating a program that would allow illegal immigrants already living in the United States for a number of years to stay in the country and apply for U.S. citizenship even if they don't pay back taxes?

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