Thread: Immigration Good, But Levels Too High in U.S.

http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.c ... temID/8007

July 10, 2005
Immigration Good, But Levels Too High in U.S.



(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in the United States think immigrants provide a positive contribution, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 61 per cent of respondents believe immigration is a good thing for the country.

Respondents were divided over the current levels of acceptance. 46 per cent believe the country should take in fewer immigrants than it currently does, while 34 per cent would maintain the existing quota.

In January 2004, U.S. president George W. Bush tabled his proposal for a major overhaul of the country’s immigration system. The plan includes a "temporary worker program" that would grant legal status to undocumented workers, who would pay taxes, be required to return to their home country after three years, and receive no special preference if they decide to apply for permanent citizenship.

In May, Arizona Republican senator John McCain and Massachusetts Democratic senator Edward Kennedy introduced legislation that seeks to create a program that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain legal work permits.

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service estimates that more than 7 million illegal immigrants are currently living in the country. A recent report by the Pew Hispanic Center calculated the number of undocumented immigrants at 10.3 million. While California is home to most workers, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have the greatest rates of increase.

In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Colorado Republican congressman Tom Tancredo said last week he would consider launching a White House bid in 2008 "if no one else will take up this issue (illegal immigration) in the presidential campaign."

Polling Data

On the whole, do you think immigration is a good thing or a bad thing for this country today?

Jun. 2005
Jun. 2003

Good thing
61%
58%

Bad thing
34%
36%

Mixed
3%
4%

No opinion
2%
2%



In your view, should immigration be kept at its present level, increased, or decreased?

Jun. 2005
Jun. 2004
Jun. 2003

Increased
16%
14%
13%

Present level
34%
33%
37%

Decreased
46%
49%
47%

No opinion
4%
4%
3%



Source: Gallup / CNN / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 2,264 American adultsâ€â€

Respondents were divided over the current levels of acceptance. 46 per cent believe the country should take in fewer immigrants than it currently does, while 34 per cent would maintain the existing quota.

And what about the illegals?

Originally Posted by dataman

Respondents were divided over the current levels of acceptance. 46 per cent believe the country should take in fewer immigrants than it currently does, while 34 per cent would maintain the existing quota.

And what about the illegals?

I'm assuming the poll concerns legal immigration only. As a comparison check out the other poll I posted a few days ago on amnesty from the same pollster. An overwhelming majority were against giving illegals amnesty. Thread link is below.

http://alipac.us/ftopicp-32136-.html#32136