American People Want and Expect Comprehensive Immigration Reform

NYT/CBS Poll Highlights Continued Support for Sound Solutions and Practical Policies
Washington, DC - New national polling numbers show that the American people strongly support comprehensive immigration reform and expect action during President Obama's first term.

An April New York Times/CBS poll asked nearly 1000 Americans what should be done about immigrants working in the U.S. illegally: should they "be allowed to stay in their jobs, and to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship"; "allowed to stay in their jobs only as temporary guest workers, but NOT to apply for U.S. citizenship"; or "required to leave their jobs and leave the U.S." Fully 44% chose a path to citizenship, 21% chose temporary legal status, and only 30% supported a requirement to leave the U.S. This compares with 38% who chose a path to citizenship, 28% who chose temporary status, and 28% who chose removal in a previous NYT/CBS poll from December 2007.

"While immigration reform may be ‘controversial' on rightwing radio and cable TV, it is ‘common sense' to a majority of Americans," said Frank Sharry, Executive director of America's Voice. "Nearly 2/3 of the American people support a policy that brings immigrants who are here illegally out of the shadows to apply for work permits, rather than forcing them to leave," he continued.

The poll also asked about the likelihood of President Obama bringing about "significant immigration reform" his first term in office. Fifty-nine percent said they thought reform in Obama's first term was "likely" (9% "very likely" and 50% "somewhat likely"), while 35% though reform was "not likely" (26% "not very likely" and 9% "not at all likely").

"In the past, the federal government's failure to enact immigration reform has been a symbol of how Washington ducked tough problems," continued Sharry. "This poll shows that the American people are optimistic that this president will tackle immigration reform. While some remain skeptical that it will be a high priority, it is clear that if congress and the white house engage on a practical solution, they will be rewarded with strong support from the American people," he concluded.

For more information on public opinion and immigration, visit: http://www.immigration08.com/

America's Voice -- Harnessing the power of American voices and American values to win common sense immigration reform.