New Poll Shows Majority in U.S. Say All Immigration Has a Negative Impact

[sjr09 155]

　

A new poll asked Americans, "All things considered, do you think immigration is having a positive effect or a negative effect in the U.S.?" The response? "Just 18 percent said a positive effect - 8 percent of Republicans, 19 percent of Independents and 28 percent of Democrats. Fifty-seven percent answered a negative effect. A full 25 percent were unsure."

　

Poll: Hard divisions on immigrants

America is a country divided about those working illegally within its borders, with a majority believing that immigration has a negative effect in the U.S., according to a new national poll.

The survey, by Vision Critical and Angus Reid Public Opinion, found 56 percent of a belief that illegal immigrants take jobs away from Americans, while only 34 percent answered that the immigrants take jobs that American workers do not want.

"All things considered, do you think immigration is having a positive effect or a negative effect in the U.S.?" the poll asked.

Just 18 percent said a positive effect - 8 percent of Republicans, 19 percent of Independents and 28 percent of Democrats. Fifty-seven percent answered a negative effect. A full 25 percent were unsure.

The poll found, however, that the attitudes of respondents "have softened" since hot debate last summer over Arizona's immigration law.

A key question asked which statements on illegal immigrants, currently working in the United States, came closest to the views of those being polled.

Thirty-one percent agreed with the statement: "They should be allowed to stay in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship." A yawning partisan divide was evident: 48 percent of Democrats agreed with the statement, 31 percent of Independents, but just 13 percent of Republicans.

An additional 15 percent concurred with the option: "They should be allowed to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis, but they should not become citizens."

The largest number of those polled, 43 percent, want illegal immigrants gone, agreeing to the statement: "They should be required to leave their jobs and be deported from the U.S."

The pro-deportation statement drew agreement from 61 percent of Republicans, 42 percent of Independents, and 30 percent of Democrats.

Another 11 percent were unsure.

But pro-deportation opinion has lost support, falling from 50 percent in July to 43 percent in December.

"Two in five Americans (39 percent) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in the U.S. should decrease, while only 15 percent favor an increase," the pollster reported.

Provisions of the Arizona law continue to enjoy wide public support.

Sixty-five percent agreed with requiring state and local police to determine the status of a person if there is "reasonable suspicion" that he or she is illegally in the United States.

Seventy-two percent would make it a crime to transport someone who is an illegal immigrant: By a 56 percent-to-33 percent margin, those surveyed would make it a crime to hire day laborers off the street.

The survey of 1005 American adults was taken Dec. 16 and 17, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent

http://blog.seattlep...from=blog_last3

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Because opinion is more important than fact?

[james&olya 1,121]

　

A new poll asked Americans, "All things considered, do you think immigration is having a positive effect or a negative effect in the U.S.?" The response? "Just 18 percent said a positive effect - 8 percent of Republicans, 19 percent of Independents and 28 percent of Democrats. Fifty-seven percent answered a negative effect. A full 25 percent were unsure."

　

Poll: Hard divisions on immigrants

America is a country divided about those working illegally within its borders, with a majority believing that immigration has a negative effect in the U.S., according to a new national poll.

The survey, by Vision Critical and Angus Reid Public Opinion, found 56 percent of a belief that illegal immigrants take jobs away from Americans, while only 34 percent answered that the immigrants take jobs that American workers do not want.

"All things considered, do you think immigration is having a positive effect or a negative effect in the U.S.?" the poll asked.

Just 18 percent said a positive effect - 8 percent of Republicans, 19 percent of Independents and 28 percent of Democrats. Fifty-seven percent answered a negative effect. A full 25 percent were unsure.

The poll found, however, that the attitudes of respondents "have softened" since hot debate last summer over Arizona's immigration law.

A key question asked which statements on illegal immigrants, currently working in the United States, came closest to the views of those being polled.

Thirty-one percent agreed with the statement: "They should be allowed to stay in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship." A yawning partisan divide was evident: 48 percent of Democrats agreed with the statement, 31 percent of Independents, but just 13 percent of Republicans.

An additional 15 percent concurred with the option: "They should be allowed to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis, but they should not become citizens."

The largest number of those polled, 43 percent, want illegal immigrants gone, agreeing to the statement: "They should be required to leave their jobs and be deported from the U.S."

The pro-deportation statement drew agreement from 61 percent of Republicans, 42 percent of Independents, and 30 percent of Democrats.

Another 11 percent were unsure.

But pro-deportation opinion has lost support, falling from 50 percent in July to 43 percent in December.

"Two in five Americans (39 percent) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in the U.S. should decrease, while only 15 percent favor an increase," the pollster reported.

Provisions of the Arizona law continue to enjoy wide public support.

Sixty-five percent agreed with requiring state and local police to determine the status of a person if there is "reasonable suspicion" that he or she is illegally in the United States.

Seventy-two percent would make it a crime to transport someone who is an illegal immigrant: By a 56 percent-to-33 percent margin, those surveyed would make it a crime to hire day laborers off the street.

The survey of 1005 American adults was taken Dec. 16 and 17, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent

http://blog.seattlep...from=blog_last3

Where was it asked of the respondents whether they felt this way about 'all' immigration? Everything in there sounds like it was measuring attitudes towards illegals (undocumented workers).

[sjr09 155]

Because opinion is more important than fact?

Is that your opinion or fact?

[sly_wolf 199]

Is that your opinion or fact?

Actually at least 30% of US citizens have a negative impact on the US.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Is that your opinion or fact?

Care to challenge the facts of immigration's positive impact? Based on the number of anti-immigration posts you make, I'd venture to guess you are a member of NumbersUSA or some other affiliate of the anti-immigration movement, which is ironic considering your spouse is an immigrant and you are an immigrant of Hawaii. No wonder the natives hate foreigners like you.

Edited January 8, 2011 by 8TBVBN

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Actually at least 30% of US citizens have a negative impact on the US.

The polls show the number of Liberal/Progressives closer to 20%.

Amazing how such a small group could do so much damage.

[Danno 1,228]

Care to challenge the facts of immigration's positive impact? Based on the number of anti-immigration posts you make, I'd venture to guess you are a member of NumbersUSA or some other affiliate of the anti-immigration movement, which is ironic considering your spouse is an immigrant and you are an immigrant of Hawaii. No wonder the natives hate foreigners like you.

Come on Steve, thats lame logic.

Sensible immigration for nearly everyone would include immediate family members.

Are you suggesting if someones spouse or their kids are immigrants..... they forfeit the right to favor any limits whatsoever on the topic?

Tsk,Tsk,Tsk.

[TigerTeddyBear 26]

Gotta agree with Steven. There is a growing anti-immigrant sentiment in a country of immigrants? What kind of insanity is that? Oh... its political! Just like religion! Just like global warming! Just like taxes and the concentration of money, influence... When did facts cease to matter? Oh yeah... when the powerful realized they could mould the thoughts of the flock with greed and fear."Sensible" immigration policy for people who are asking for the deportation of millions? Who do you think they would come after next if they were to succeed? Your damn right you lose the right to say "Start limiting legal immigration... but only after my loved one(s) make it through."! What kind of self serving hypocrisy is that?

[Ban Hammer 12,829]

Because opinion is more important than fact?

opinion drives how elected officials vote

[Danno 1,228]

Gotta agree with Steven. There is a growing anti-immigrant sentiment in a country of immigrants? What kind of insanity is that? Oh... its political! Just like religion! Just like global warming! Just like taxes and the concentration of money, influence... When did facts cease to matter? Oh yeah... when the powerful realized they could mould the thoughts of the flock with greed and fear."Sensible" immigration policy for people who are asking for the deportation of millions? Who do you think they would come after next if they were to succeed? Your damn right you lose the right to say "Start limiting legal immigration... but only after my loved one(s) make it through."! What kind of self serving hypocrisy is that?

Teddy Bear, if you knew a little bit about our nations immigration history, you would know it has been flexible as the need demanded.

We have so many ways for people to immigrate to this country right now (more than ever) it would do us good to reign it in....

now if you want to think those changes would mean keeping husbands and wives apart go ahead and keep drinking the Cool-Aid.

Many people feel it is wrong if not immoral to have so many people out of work and yet still we import workers in.

While it's true: this is a nation of immigrants (starting with the Native Indians) we have, for most of our history had controls on the number and the need of who we let in.

The great wave started a few decades back and just like we did before.. it's time to cut back some.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Gotta agree with Steven. There is a growing anti-immigrant sentiment in a country of immigrants? What kind of insanity is that? Oh... its political! Just like religion! Just like global warming! Just like taxes and the concentration of money, influence... When did facts cease to matter? Oh yeah... when the powerful realized they could mould the thoughts of the flock with greed and fear."Sensible" immigration policy for people who are asking for the deportation of millions? Who do you think they would come after next if they were to succeed? Your damn right you lose the right to say "Start limiting legal immigration... but only after my loved one(s) make it through."! What kind of self serving hypocrisy is that?

Yep. There's an anti-immigration movement that is well document, although not well publicized by the mainstream media, and part of their objectives is to infiltrate immigration websites like this place to spread their propaganda. They are the same people behind these anti-immigration laws like one passed in Arizona and they found the opportune moment with our high unemployment to direct people's anger and frustrations onto immigrants.

Anyone interested in following the money trail should read the reports by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

[TigerTeddyBear 26]

You accuse me of not knowing the immigration history of this great country. That is an assumption I expected. You say I drink the kool-aid, but the only argument you put forth is regarding jobs. Also expected. You are picking gnat $#*t out of pepper.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

opinion drives how elected officials vote

Opinions shouldn't trump fact except for those who champion truthiness. If a majority of the public thought the sky was not blue, wouldn't change the fact that it is. That's the difference between opinion driven truthiness and fact.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Yep. There's an anti-immigration movement that is well document, although not well publicized by the mainstream media, and part of their objectives is to infiltrate immigration websites like this place to spread their propaganda. They are the same people behind these anti-immigration laws like one passed in Arizona and they found the opportune moment with our high unemployment to direct people's anger and frustrations onto immigrants.

Anyone interested in following the money trail should read the reports by the Southern Poverty Law Center.