Iowa : Poll Data
A Des Moines Register poll of 801 adults surveyed in February 2008 (published September 10, 2008) found that:
- 55 percent of Iowans say state government can deal more effectively with illegal immigration than the federal government can.
- 85 percent of Iowans favor penalizing executives whose companies knowingly hire illegal immigrants. That idea got more support than any other possible legislative priority about which respondents were asked.
- 69 percent say they back the notion of hiring more troopers to enforce federal immigration laws in Iowa [in the 287(g) program].
- Almost two-thirds of Iowans say better enforcement of immigration laws in Iowa is very important for lawmakers to address this year.
A Rasmussen Report poll conducted 825 Likely Republican Caucus Participants in Iowa on November 12, 2007 found:
- 91% oppose granting drivers’ licenses to illegal aliens.
- 86% say that when police officers pull someone over for a traffic violation, they should routinely check to see if that person is in the country legally.
- 76% believe that if an illegal immigrant is discovered in this manner, they should be deported.
.A New York/ CBS News Poll taken from November 2-11, 2007 of 1,273 attendants of Iowa Democratic and Republican Caucuses found:
- 86% of Republicans believe immigration is a serious problem (47% “very serious” and 39% “somewhat serious”), compared to 59% of Democrats (25% “very serious” and 34% “somewhat serious”).
- 44% (a plurality) of Republicans believe illegal immigrants should be required to leave jobs and US, compared with 51% of Democrats who believe illegal aliens should be allowed to say and apply for citizenship.
- Among Republicans, immigration ranks first in “the one issue you would like candidates to discuss during the election.” Among Democrats, health care ranked first.
Des Moines Register, Sept, 2001
- 91% of Iowans say they are willing to accept tighter restrictions on immigration.
