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Doing Research? : Immigration Basics

Public Opinion Polls on Immigration
 
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The general public overwhelmingly favors immigration reform. Poll after poll shows that Americans want well-enforced, sensible, and sustainable immigration laws.

  • 89% of Americans think illegal immigration into the U.S. is a problem (30% "extremely serious," 33% "very serious," and 26% "somewhat serious." (Time Magazine, Jan. 2006)
  • 82% think that not enough is being done along the borders to keep illegal immigrants from crossing into the country. (New York Times/CBS May 2007)
  • 68% feel that the number of immigrants who cross the border, whether legal or illegal is “too high”. (Polling Company, Sept. 2006)
  • 62% oppose making it easier for illegal immigrants to become citizens of America. (Quinnipiac Univ., Feb. 2006)

These are only a few examples of the many statistics demonstrating that Americans want lower immigration, greater enforcement, and more commitment to making immigration work in the best interests of the nation.

MOST RECENT NATIONAL POLLS

A Rasmussen Report Poll conducted November 5, 2008 of 1,000 likely voters asked: "Is the government doing enough to secure the border?"

  • 79% responded "no,"” it is not doing enough.
  • 10% responded "yes."

It also asked, "Which is more important: securing the border or legalizing undocumented workers?"

  • 65% responded that gaining control of the border is more important.
  • 26% responded that legalization is more important.

Rasmussen Report Poll conducted from October 24-25th of 800 likely voters found that:

  • 51% opposed the DREAM Act (a form of amnesty for former and present illegal alien students) concept
  • 68% believe the passage of the bill would encourage more illegal immigration in the future.
  • 71% believe that illegal immigrants should not qualify for in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities.
  • 77 % oppose making drivers' licenses available to illegal immigrants.

NATIONAL POLLS BY TOPIC

STATE POLLS

Alabama Idaho Minnesota North Carolina Utah
Alaska Illinois Mississippi North Dakota Vermont
Arizona Indiana Missouri Ohio Virginia
Arkansas Iowa Montana Oklahoma Washington
California Kansas Nebraska Oregon West Virginia
Colorado Kentucky Nevada Pennsylvania Wisconsin
Connecticut Louisiana New Hampshire Rhode Island Wyoming
Deleware Maine New Jersey South Carolina
Florida Maryland New Mexico South Dakota
Georgia Massachusetts New York Tennessee
Hawaii Michigan

North Carolina

Texas

POLLS BY GROUP

Updated 11/08

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