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stephanie
05-26-2007, 05:46 PM
May 26, 2007
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in the United States are against the immigration reform proposal developed by their federal lawmakers, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 48 per cent of respondents oppose the plan, while 26 per cent are in favour.

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. 72 per cent of respondents think it is very important to improve border security and reduce illegal immigration in 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 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 provision is regarded by some lawmakers as "amnesty" and "impunity."

Democratic Massachusetts senator Ted Kennedy—one of the chief architects of the bill—said after the vote: "Legalization is important for our national security. We have to know who is in the United States. Legalization is important in terms of our economic prosperity. And legalization is important for the families. Do we think we’re going to deport children—3.5 million American children who have parents that are undocumented?"

Polling Data

From what you know about the agreement, do you favour or oppose the immigration reform proposal agreed to last week?


Favour
26%

Oppose
48%

Not sure
26%



How important is it to improve border enforcement and reduce illegal immigration?


Very important
72%

Somewhat important
16%

Not very important
8%

Not at all important
2%



Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 800 likely American voters, conducted on May 21 and May 22, 2007. Margin of error is 4 per cent.
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/15866