Interesting, in my last post on immigration reform, many commenters fretted that doing it now would prove unpopular with voters. It's amazing how so many people have internalized right-wing opposition to doing the right thing, and assume it's true.
Let's look at recent polling on the issue.
CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 5-12, 2010.
"Should LEGAL immigration into the United States be kept at its present level, increased, or decreased?"
Present Level 35
Increased 16
Decreased 41
Even today, in the midst of recession, Americans are supportive of immigration.
Benenson Strategy Group (PDF) for America's Voice. 12/19-21/2009.
Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, strongly oppose Congress passing comprehensive immigration reform?
Support 64
Oppose 23
"Favor" by party ID
Democratic 69
Republican 67
Independent 72
Even among Republicans, there is strong support for immigration reform.
Research 2000 for Daily Kos. 7/6-9.
Do you favor or oppose Congress passing comprehensive immigration reform?
Favor 69
Oppose 25
"Favor" by party ID
Democratic 67
Republican 72
Independent 69
One version of immigration reform that people have discussed would do the following if passed into law; it would secure the border crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants require illegal immigrants to register for legal immigration status pay back taxes and learn English in order to be eligible for U.S. citizenship. Do you favor or oppose Congress passing this version of immigration reform?
Favor 74
Oppose 18
"Favor" by party ID
Democratic 75
Republican 71
Independent 76
Again, support for comprehensive immigration reform crosses partisan lines. Voters are particularly drawn to the punitive side of CIR -- paying back taxes and perhaps even fines, as well as the "learn English" provision.
CBS News/New York Times, April 22-26, 2009.
"Which comes closest to your view about illegal immigrants who are currently working in the U.S.? (1) They should be allowed to stay in their jobs, and to eventually apply for US citizenship. OR, (2) They should be allowed to stay in their jobs only as temporary guest workers, but not to apply for U.S. citizenship. OR, (3) They should be required to leave their jobs and leave the U.S."
Stay, Apply for Citizenship: 44
Stay as guest workers 21
Leave 30
ABC News/Washington Post. April 21-24, 2009.
"Would you support or oppose a program giving illegal immigrants now living in the United States the right to live here legally if they pay a fine and meet other requirements?"
Support 61
Oppose 35
Progressives complain that a loud minority of teabaggers created a perception of widespread opposition to health care reform. Well, the same thing is happening on immigration, but the difference is that on this issue, lots of you guys are falling for it.
The poll numbers are clear and consistent -- voters overwhelmingly support immigration reform. The frothing-at-the-mouth teabaggers won't like it, but they are and remain a fringe minority. Immigration reform is popular, has widespread bipartisan appeal, is good policy, is the morally right thing to do, and is electorally necessary for the Democratic Party ... AND the GOP, if it hopes to compete for this growing demographic into the future.
But to claim that the issue hurts is electorally flies in the face of all available data.
