(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More people in the United States believe professionals and skilled foreigners should be favoured by their immigration system, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 43 per cent of respondents think the government should give higher priority to educated applicants, up five points since April.

Conversely, 44 per cent of respondents want the government to give higher priority to people who have family members already in the U.S., down five points in a month.

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 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 May 24, the U.S. Senate voted 66-29 to keep a provision on the bill that offers legal status to most illegal immigrants living in the country. The controversial terms are regarded by some lawmakers as "amnesty" and "impunity."

On Jun. 5, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is seeking the Republican Party's presidential nomination, discussed the bill, saying, "It's a typical Washington mess. Everybody compromises, four or five compromises. (...) The litmus test you should have for legislation is, 'Is it going to make things better?' And when you look at these compromises, it is quite possible it will make things worse."

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted 45-50 on a motion to limit debate on the proposed immigration bill. Senate majority leader Harry Reid declared: "This is the president's bill. We can't do it alone over here. We need some help."

Polling Data

In deciding whether people from other countries should be allowed to legally stay in the United States, should the government give higher priority to:

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