State's voters tilt toward Arizona law

Field Poll results show 49% in favor, 45% oppose illegal-immigration move

By Michele Clock, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 10:18 p.m.

California voters are sharply and strongly divided over Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration law, according to a new Field Poll.

Nearly half of the state’s voters, 49 percent, approve of the law; 45 percent disapprove.

The survey also shows major differences of opinion among voters of various ethnic groups and political parties, and whether they were born in the United States.

Overall, a majority of voters continue to believe that illegal immigrants have a negative effect on California, though less so than in past decades.

Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said he was struck by the strength of voters’ opinions on both sides.

“It certainly pits two very strongly held opposite factions against one another,â€