August 16, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States believe people who provide deceitful information about their legal status to their employers should lose their jobs, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 79 per cent of respondents think workers with false identity documents should be fired.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States believe people who provide deceitful information about their legal status to their employers should lose their jobs, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 79 per cent of respondents think workers with false identity documents should be fired.

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 Aug. 10, the White House announced 26 different reforms, aimed at taking steps "to secure our borders more effectively, improve interior and worksite enforcement, streamline existing guest worker programs, improve the current immigration system, and help new immigrants assimilate into American culture." One of the worksite enforcement prerogatives calls for a reduction on the categories of documents that can be used by employers to confirm the identity of workers.

Original Release from Rasmussen Reports

Polling Data

Should workers with false identity documents be fired?

Yes	79%
No	9%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.