(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States have a clear idea of what the most important goal of their immigration policy should be, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 63 per cent of respondents believe gaining control of the border should be a priority, while 28 per cent would prefer to legalize 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.

On Jun. 18, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson questioned the efficacy of erecting a new border fence, saying, "I believe that if you build a 12-foot wall, pretty soon they’ll start making 13-foot ladders."

Polling Data

Which is more important? Gaining control of the border or legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States?

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 likely American voters, conducted on Jun. 10, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

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