Rasmussen Reports

« If it's in the news it's in our polls. «

« Rasmussen produces some of the most accurate and reliable polls in the country today. »

-Larry Sabato, University of Virginia

« Rasmussen, an organization with fast zeitgeist reflexes.... «

-The Politico

« If it's in the news it's in our polls. «

« The best place to look for polls that are spot on is RasmussenReports.com «

-Michael Barone, The Washington Examiner`

« If you really want to know what people in America think, you can't find a better place to look than Rasmussen Reports «

-Susan Estrich

« If you have a choice between Rasmussen and, say, the prestigious N.Y.Times, go with Rasmussen! »

-Mickey Kaus, Slate Magazine
Premium MembershipLoginSignup
Search
Sign up for free daily updates
Advertisement
Advertisement

Americans Support Universal Health Coverage, But Not If It Covers Illegal Immigrants
Email a Friend Email to a Friend
Advertisement

Eighty percent (80%) of U.S. voters oppose providing government health care coverage for illegal immigrants as part of the health care reform package that is working its way through Congress.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 11% disagree and think coverage for illegals is a good idea.

Most voters also oppose making health insurance mandatory for all Americans.

Still, two-thirds (65%) believe that every single American should have access to quality health care. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree, and 12% are not sure. These numbers remain largely unchanged since President Obama first proposed such coverage earlier this year.

While most Americans support the idea of providing quality health care coverage for all Americans, they overwhelmingly oppose such a proposal if it also includes coverage for illegal immigrants. Only 20% favor a proposal for universal health care if illegal immigrants are included. Seventy percent (70%) are against such a proposal.

But, as is often the case, there’s a wide division between Mainstream America and the Political Class on this question. The Political Class is evenly divided on the question of a universal health care plan that includes coverage for illegal immigrants. Those with populist or Mainstream views are overwhelmingly opposed.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that up to 22% of the 46 million people in America without health insurance are illegal immigrants.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter.

Roughly nine-out-of-10 conservatives oppose providing coverage for illegals, even in the context of a plan that provides quality health care for all Americans. Liberals are evenly divided over such coverage if it’s part of a universal plan.

The public gives mixed reviews to the details of a proposed universal health care plan that have emerged so far from congressional Democrats.

A key sticking point is whether the government should create its own insurance plan to compete with private health insurers.

Americans are very closely divided on that idea. It will be interesting to see if those numbers change now that the president has begun championing the idea this week.

Support for health care reform has slipped slightly as more voters think President Obama should work harder on his promise to cut the federal deficit in half in the next four years.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters nationwide say it is very important for the government to improve its enforcement of the borders and reduce illegal immigration, but just 32% of America’s Political Class agrees.

A majority of voters also favor strict government sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants. Yet despite reports that the president plans to begin a push for immigration reform, voters rank it fifth out of five priorities he has proposed this year.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it’s free) or follow us on Twitter. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs are available to Premium Members only.

Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information.

The Rasmussen Reports Election Edge™ Premium Service offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage available anywhere.

Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.

Survey of 1,000 Likely Voters
June 9-10, 2009

Should government provide health care coverage for illegal immigrants?

Yes

11%

No

80%

Not sure

9%

TOP STORIES

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll

Voters’ Opinions of Congressional Leaders Remain Steady

Democrats & Unaffiliateds More Likely To Be Unemployed Than Republicans

To Create Jobs, Voters Say Cut Taxes and Stop Spending

Brown Ensnared in His Own Tapegate Trap By Debra J. Saunders

Support for Congressional Health Care Proposal Up to 47%, 49% Opposed

Republicans Maintain Steady Lead on Generic Ballot

42% Rate Geithner’s Performance As Poor

47% Trust Private Sector More Than Government To Keep Health Care Costs Down, Quality Up

Voters Continue to See Deficit Reduction as Top Priority

Advertisement