Strict sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants is the most popular of four possible immigration reforms measured in a recent Rasmussen Reports survey. Sixty percent (60%) of American adults favor such an approach while (25%) are opposed.

A bare majority (52%) favor granting citizenship opportunities to illegal immigrants after they have worked in the United States for 17 years.

Forty-four percent (44%) favor government sanctions for landlords who rent or sell property to illegal immigrants. Thirty-six percent (36%) disagree.

Forty-two percent (42%) favor guest worker programs that would pair illegal immigrants with employers when no Americans can be found to fill vacant jobs.

An earlier survey found that two-thirds of Americans believe it doesn't make sense to debate new immigration laws until we can first control our borders and enforce existing laws. That same survey found that 40% of Americans favor "forcibly" requiring all 11 million illegal immigrants to leave the United States.

The immigration debate caught America's political class off guard and most national politicians made an incorrect assessment concerning the nature of the debate.

There are significant partisan and ideological divides on virtually all questions surrounding the immigration debate. Seventy-two percent (72%) of Republicans favor employer sanctions versus 52% of Democrats. Along ideological lines, 73% of conservatives, 56% of moderates and 56% of liberals support such penalties.

When it comes to sanctions for landlords who rent or sell property to illegal immigrants Republicans again outnumber Democrats in support (60% to 35%.). A plurality of Democrats (45%) are opposed to government sanctions related to housing practices.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist announced last week that immigration revisions would not reach Congress’ agenda before the November 7 elections. Frist tried to temper the news by adding that his Republican peers have succeeded in beefing up the border with Mexico via increased funding for security fences and border patrol agents. These points are key in an election year where a plurality say they prefer political candidates who adopt a tougher stance on illegal immigrants.

In that same survey, 82% say the immigration issue is important with half (50%) calling it “very important.”