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11-17-2008, 10:08 PM #1
Americans, Europeans Worry About Immigration, Survey Shows
Americans, Europeans Worry About Immigration, Survey Shows
By Pamela Constable
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 17, 2008; 7:39 PM
Americans and Europeans share deep concerns about immigrants, with a large percentage worrying that immigration can bring crime and displace workers even though a majority agree that it does not increase the risk of terrorism, according to an opinion survey sponsored by the German Marshall Fund.
People on both sides of the Atlantic express sharply negative views of illegal immigration, and roughly half of respondents said they think immigration in general is "more of a problem" than an opportunity for their societies. The European nations surveyed were the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands.
"Real anxiety about legal immigration exists, but it is dwarfed by concerns about illegal immigration," the U.S.-based nonprofit fund said in a statement today. At least 80 percent of respondents in all surveyed countries called for stronger border controls, and more than 73 percent in all the countries called for tougher sanctions on those who hire illegal immigrants.
But there was a wide variety of opinion as to whether illegal immigrants who are already in a country should be sent home or offered a path to legalization. Americans slightly favored legalization over deportation, while in Europe an average of 38 percent supported legalization programs. In all countries, only a small percentage supported temporary immigrant work programs.
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The report describes Americans' views of immigrants, who make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, as a "paradox." It notes that although more than half of Americans say that immigrants take away jobs from U.S. citizens, 86 percent view them as hardworking and many also believe they create jobs by opening businesses and investing.
Asked what criteria are most important for allowing foreigners to immigrate, more than 90 percent of both Europeans and Americans said they must respect their new country's laws and institutions, and a strong majority also said they should speak their new country's national language. Most also said immigrants should arrive with a job offer and a high level of education.
Although more than two-thirds of both Americans and Europeans said legal immigrants should have full access to social benefits, including health care, nearly one-quarter of Americans and people in the United Kingdom said they "strongly oppose" granting them such benefits.
On the question of religion, 42 percent of Americans said immigrants should come from a Christian country, while less than one-third of Europeans agreed. Asked specifically about Muslims, 61 percent of Americans said Muslim immigrants have much to offer culturally, yet only 54 percent said Western and Muslim ways of life are reconcilable. In Europe, even fewer people -- 47 percent -- said the two cultures could be compatible.
Another notable difference was that most Americans want their government to manage immigration on its own, while most Europeans want their governments to cooperate with poor countries where migrants are coming from and send them more aid.
In snapshots of some European nations, the survey found Italy to be most worried about illegal immigration but among the most welcoming to legal immigrants. The Netherlands strongly favored allowing noncitizen immigrants to participate in local elections. The United Kingdom was by far the most keen to deport its illegal immigrants.
For the full report, visit http://www.transatlantictrends.org.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... eheadlines
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11-17-2008, 10:18 PM #2
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Another notable difference was that most Americans want their government to manage immigration on its own, while most Europeans want their governments to cooperate with poor countries where migrants are coming from and send them more aid.Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)
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11-17-2008, 10:47 PM #3
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Another divide and conquer tactic here folks don't fall for it! We are Americans first, last and always! It doesn't matter where we are from, we are here now and joined by a common union and beings Americans. America is not just a land, it lives in us and we are it's life blood! If you doubt me you only have to look at the names of the military men and women who have given their lives for us.
It doesn't matter what languages you can speak as long as your heart is Red, White and Blue. This is what our enemies do not understand and try to use against us. Stand tall, stand proud, stand American! But most of all, stand together.
As we Marines say;
Semper Fi!Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)
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11-17-2008, 11:18 PM #4
Re: Americans, Europeans Worry About Immigration, Survey Sho
Americans, Europeans Worry About Immigration, Survey Shows
Americans and Europeans share deep concerns about immigrants, with a large percentage worrying that immigration can bring crime and displace workers even though a majority agree that it does not increase the risk of terrorism,
Actually it doesn't make any difference if you are killed by an Al Queda truck bomb or an illegal gang banger, you are just as dead and were killed by a foreigner who is here to kill Americans.Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)
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