Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

U.S. Ponders Conditional Legalization of Immigrants

October 12, 2007

 

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in the United States would back a proposal to offer legal status to undocumented immigrants currently living in the country if they pay a fine and meet other requirements, according to a poll by ICR released by ABC News. 58 per cent of respondents would support this plan, while 35 per cent would reject it.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in the United States would back a proposal to offer legal status to undocumented immigrants currently living in the country if they pay a fine and meet other requirements, according to a poll by ICR released by ABC News. 58 per cent of respondents would support this plan, while 35 per cent would reject it.

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. 67 per cent of respondents think the government is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from entering the country.

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 Oct. 10, Thomas Donohuechief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commercereferred to the importance of immigration for the countrys economy, declaring, "A fundamental purpose in creating an effective, rational and national immigration system should not be to stop the flow of immigrants to our country, but rather to continue itand I am sorry to say to some peopleto expand it." Donohue said he would support granting some kind of legal status to illegal immigrants, adding, "This economy is working because we have them, and if you want to take them away, round them up and send them home, it will be the loudest sucking sound you have ever heard."

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose a program giving illegal immigrants now living in the United States the right to live here legally if they pay a fine and meet other requirements?

Support	58%
Oppose	35%
Unsure	7%

Do you think the United States is or is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from coming into this country?

 

Doing enough	22%
Not doing enough	67%
Unsure	11%

Source: ICR / ABC News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,035 American adults, conducted from Sept. 27 to Sept. 30, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.