Immigration

Are States, National Guard the Answer to Illegal Immigration?

Most voters rate the federal government’s handling of illegal immigration as poor and think states should be able to act on their own to stop the problem. They also favor use of the National Guard in their own state to deal with illegal immigrants.

Just 13% of Likely U.S. Voters now think the federal government is doing a good or excellent job dealing with the illegal immigration problem in this country. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% rate the government’s performance in this area as poor. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans See Limits on Citizenship for Children of Illegals As Best Way to Stop Illegal Immigration

Americans still overwhelmingly believe in the importance of closing the border to future illegal immigration despite the federal government’s failure to do so. Rasmussen Reports asked Americans the best way to stop illegal immigration and found continuing support for certain actions the government could take.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 82% of American Adults think it is important to secure the border to prevent future illegal immigration, with 60% who say it is Very Important. This is up slightly from 78% and 57% respectively in April of last year. Just 16% consider sealing the border against illegal immigration not very or Not At All Important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 8-9, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Believe Obama Administration Has Encouraged Young Illegal Immigrants To Come

Nearly half of U.S. voters believe the Obama administration has prompted the flood of illegal immigrant children at the border, and most want them sent back home right away.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters think that the administration, through its statements and policies, has encouraged this wave of illegal immigration. Thirty-one percent (31%) disagree, but 23% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 6, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

39% Think U.S. Should Welcome All Immigrants Who Are Willing to Work Hard

Americans have mixed feelings about potential immigrants to this country and still tend to prefer those who can best help the economy. They also continue to believe that immigrants from countries with terrorist activity should get closer scrutiny.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 39% of American Adults believe the United States should welcome all potential immigrants, other than national security threats, who are willing to work hard and able to support their family. That’s up a bit from 36% a year ago. But slightly more (43%) still disagree with a policy that welcoming. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on June 11-12, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

31% Favor Increasing Legal Immigration If Border Is Secured

Americans are slightly more supportive of increasing the number of legal immigrants allowed into the United States if the federal government can fully secure the border first to prevent future illegal immigration. But most still want to decrease legal immigration or keep it about the same.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% of American Adults now think the government should increase the number of immigrants allowed to legally enter the country if it actually secures the border and prevents illegal immigration. That’s up from 26% a year ago. 

But nearly as many (29%) want to decrease the level of legal immigration instead, while another 29% prefer to leave things unchanged. This compares to 38% who wanted to decrease legal immigration in May of last year and 24% who felt things should stay the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on June 11-12, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

59% Favor Strict Sanctions on Those Who Employ Illegal Immigrants

While official Washington, D.C. debates the need for immigration reform, most voters continue to believe as they have for years that gaining control of the border is the most pressing need. They also remain strongly supportive of punishing those who hire illegal immigrants.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of Likely U.S. Voters believe gaining control of the border is more important than legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in this country. Thirty-four percent (34%) consider legalizing the status of existing illegal immigrants more important. (To see question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 7-8, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Strongly Favor Military As Pathway to Citizenship

Voters continue to put tougher border control well ahead of creating a pathway to citizenship for most illegal immigrants, but they‘re all for citizenship for children brought here illegally who are succeeding in America. Most also see citizenship as an effective recruiting tool for the military.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 80% of Likely U.S. Voters believe a child who is brought here illegally but later earns a college degree or serves honorably in the military should be given a chance to obtain U.S. citizenship. Just 10% disagree, while 10% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The two surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on January 31-February 1, 2014 and February 2-3, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

7% Say Feds Very Likely to Close Border If Immigration Plan Becomes Law

Republicans leaders in Congress are now pushing an immigration reform measure that paves a way to citizenship for those here illegally after the border is completely secured. Most voters still favor such a plan but remain highly skeptical that the federal government will actually close the border to stop future illegal immigration.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a comprehensive immigration reform plan that would give legal status to those who entered the country illegally but have otherwise obeyed the law – if the border is really secured to prevent future illegal immigration. Twenty-five percent (25%) oppose such a plan, while 19% are undecided about it. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 31-February 1, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Oppose GOP Plan for 500,000 Guest Workers Every Year

Republicans in the House of Representatives are proposing legislation that would allow the food industry to bring a half-million guest workers from other countries into the United States each year, and most voters don’t like the idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of Likely U.S. Voters oppose legislation that allows food industry companies to hire 500,000 guest workers every year. Just half as many (29%) favor the proposal. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national telephone survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on January 15-16, 2014. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

60% Think U.S. Not Aggressive Enough In Deporting Illegal Immigrants

More than 20 House Democrats last week urged President Obama to halt the deportation of illegal immigrants until Congress passes a comprehensive immigration reform plan, but voters by a two-to-one margin oppose that idea. Most already think the federal government is not vigilant enough in deporting those who are in this country illegally.

Only 29% of Likely U.S. Voters think the government should stop deporting illegal immigrants until Congress passes an immigration reform plan. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% oppose a halt to deportations. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

54% Believe Federal Government Encourages Illegal Immigration

Most voters still believe the federal government encourages people to enter the United States illegally.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of Likely U.S. voters feel the policies and practices of the federal government encourage illegal immigration. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree, but just as many (23%) are not sure.

5% Think Feds Very Likely to Seal Border if New Immigration Law Passes

Most voters continue to put more border control first in any immigration reform plan, but fewer than ever trust the federal government to actually control the border if a new plan is passed. Voters also lean toward a go-slow piece-by-piece approach to immigration reform over a comprehensive bill.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is even somewhat likely that the federal government will actually secure the border and prevent illegal immigration if that’s part of new immigration legislation. Sixty-five percent (65%) consider it unlikely. This includes only five percent (5%) who say the government is Very Likely to secure the border if it’s part of legislation that would give legal status to those already here illegally and 24% who feel it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

45% Think Children of Illegal Immigrants Should Be Able to Attend Public School

Currently, any child living in the United States legally or illegally is entitled to a free public education. Voters are closely divided over whether they agree with that policy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of Likely U.S. Voters say if a family is not in the country legally, their children should still be allowed to attend public school. That's a 13-point increase from the 32% who felt that way in August 2011. Forty-two percent (42%) disagree and think the children of illegal immigrants should not be allowed to go to public schools. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 4-5, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

68% Oppose Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

California last week became the latest – and biggest – state to authorize driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. But most voters still strongly oppose letting illegal immigrants drive legally in their state.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Likely U.S. Voters think illegal immigrants should not be eligible for driver’s licenses in their state.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 22% favor allowing illegal immigrants to get licenses in their home state. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 4-5, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

New Low: 28% Think Passage of Immigration Reform Likely This Year

Most voters still want the emphasis on border control, and with this in mind, fewer than ever think Congress is likely to pass immigration reform this year.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of Likely U.S. Voters favor a reform plan that gives legal status to many of those now here illegally as long as the border is really secured to prevent future illegal immigration. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% are opposed to this plan even with the guarantee of stricter border control. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 31-September 1, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

32% Say Child Born in U.S. to Illegal Immigrant Should Receive Automatic Citizenship

The August recess will allow members of Congress to hear concerns from constituents and other interests on some major legislation before next year’s mid-term elections, perhaps the biggest being immigration reform.  A majority of voters continue to see border security as the most important goal but also value a welcoming immigration policy that only excludes criminals and those looking to cheat the system. Fewer voters, however, favor automatic citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of Likely Voters believe gaining control of the border is more important than legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. While a majority of voters have felt this way for years, that finding ties the lowest level measured to date.  Thirty-six percent (36%) say it’s more important to legalize the status of undocumented workers in the United States. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

39% Favor Reform Plan That Cuts Future Illegal Immigration by Just 50%

The Congressional Budget Office estimated last week that the immigration reform plan now before Congress would stop the flow of future illegal immigrants by no more than 50%, and voters don’t think that’s enough.  Support for the plan has fallen, but it falls even more dramatically when the 50% figure is attached.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 50% of Likely U.S. Voters now favor a plan to give legal status to those here illegally even if the border is really secured to prevent future immigration.  That’s down from 60% less than three weeks ago despite the U.S. Senate’s passage of the measure since then.  Thirty percent (30%) are opposed, and 19% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Voters Still Favor Employer Sanctions, Police Checks to Fight Illegal Immigration

Most voters continue to favor stronger border control over legalizing the illegal immigrants already here. They also remain strongly supportive of tough sanctions on employers who hire these illegal immigrants and of automatic immigration checks during routine police traffic stops. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe gaining control of the border is more important when it comes to immigration reform. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 34% consider legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States more important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

51% Now Consider Immigration Very Important to Their Next Vote

For the first time in nearly two years, over half of voters say the immigration issue is Very Important in terms of how they will vote in the next congressional election.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate immigration that highly, up from 45% in April.  Another 32% rate the issue as somewhat important. Just 15% say immigration is not very or Not At All Important to how they will vote in the congressional midterm elections next year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 16-17, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 28% Now Think Feds Likely to Secure Border if Reform Plan Passes

Regardless of what a comprehensive immigration reform plan promises, voters are less confident than ever that the federal government really would secure the border to prevent future illegal immigration.  Still, voters continue to support the concept of comprehensive reform. Sixty percent (60%) of Likely U.S. Voters now favor an immigration plan that gives those here illegally legal status to stay provided the border is really secured to prevent future immigration. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% oppose such a plan, while 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.