Concern High Over Immigration

A sampling of polls reveals that most Americans are concerned about the financial impact of illegal immigration and fret over porous borders, lax enforcement and easygoing policies that could reward or encourage lawbreakers.

The concern cuts across demographics. A Quinnipiac University Polling Institute survey of 1,892 registered voters released March 3 found that 88 percent think illegal immigration is a serious problem; 83 percent of respondents identified as children or grandchildren of immigrants agreed. The margin of error was two percentage points.

In addition, 62 percent opposed measures that would make it easier for illegals to become citizens; 56 percent of the immigrant descendants agreed. Seventy-two percent did not favor allowing illegals to get driver’s licenses; 66 percent of the immigrant descendants agreed.

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Those with financial clout are also uneasy. A Gallup Poll of 802 U.S. investors released yesterday found that 80 percent said the federal government should do more to prevent illegal immigration. Although 84 percent said illegals mostly took jobs Americans didn’t want, 62 percent said illegals hurt the national investment climate. Sixty-eight percent said illegals cost taxpayers too much because of their demands for public education and health care. The margin of error was four percentage points.

Gallup analyst Dennis Jacobe was surprised by the findings, saying, “When eight in 10 of those individuals who probably benefit the most from illegal immigration want the federal government to act to prevent it, then clearly elected officials should take note and act.”

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