Public Opinion on Immigration

Following is a list of links to surveys and analysis of public opinion on immigration.

2010

CNN/Opinion Research Poll

July 26, 2010 - Opinion Research Corporation for CNN

This survey of 1,018 adults conducted in July of 2010 found that 81% of respondents favored "creating a program that would allow illegal immigrants already living in the United States for a number of years to stay here and apply to legally remain in this country permanently if they had a job and paid back taxes." This percentage was far higher than the 55% or respondents who said they favored the recently-passed "law concerning illegal immigrants" in Arizona.

Bipartisan Poll: In Arizona Aftermath, Public Demands National Immigration Reform

June 04, 2010 - Lake Research Partners for Americas Voice

This poll of 1100 voters nationwide (with an oversampling of Latinos), finds that a majority of voters support Arizona's SB 1070. A majority also support comprehensive immigration reform. Support for the Arizona law comes from a frustration with federal inaction on dealing with the broken immigration system.

Polls Show Most Americans Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

May 03, 2010 - America's Voice

A snapshot of recent public opinion polls on immigration reform, which continue to show that Americans, by consistently strong majorities, support comprehensive immigration reform.

Poll Shows Most in U.S. Want Overhaul of Immigration Laws

May 03, 2010 - New York Times/CBS News

In this poll of U.S. adults, respondants were asked whether "illegal immigrants who are currently working in the U.S. "should be allowed to stay in their jobs, and to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship" or stay as temporary guest workers only, or should be required to leave the U.S. 64 percent thought they should be be allowed to stay and work. A minority, 32 percent, thought they should be required to leave.

USC/Los Angeles Times Poll: California Statewide Survey Results

April 03, 2010 - Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

This poll showed 67% support for a program that includes a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants. It also found that a plurality of Californians opposes a program to increase enforcement and denies state benefits to undocumented immigrants--a contrast to the mid-90s, when Proposition 187 passed with 60% of the vote. Younger people, aged 18 to 29 see immigrants in a much more favorable light than persons over 65 years old.
Immigration Reform: National Polling

January 12, 2010 - Benenson Strategy Group for America's Voice
In 2009 as in previous years, voters want the President and Congress to advance an immigration plan that legalizes the undocumented workforce and requires them to pay taxes; levels the playing field for workers and employers; and restores the rule of law. This slide show compares responses to polls done in December 2009, May 2009, and November 2008.
Polls Show Most Americans Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

January 12, 2010 - America's Voice
This memo looks at polls going back to September 2008 showing support for comprehensive immigration reform.
2009

A Place to Call Home: What Immigrants Say Now About Life in America

September 09, 2009 - Public Agenda
This survey of 1,100 foreign-born adults reveals that, overall, immigrants say they’re quite satisfied with life in the U.S. Most see citizenship as a practical step. So is learning English, with most reporting that it is difficult to get ahead or keep a job without language skills. Most say they’ve taken classes to improve their ability. 72 percent say that the government should offer a way for illegal immigrants with no criminal record and who have shown a commitment to the U.S. to become citizens.
Polls Show Most Americans Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

June 02, 2009 - Americas Voice
This memo summarizes recent public opinion polls on immigration reform.
Recent Polling on Immigration Reform

June 02, 2009 - Pete Brodnitz, Benenson Strategy Group
While comprehensive immigration reform has some vocal opponents, the vast majority of voters (two thirds or more depending on the details) favor comprehensive immigration reform, a position that has not wavered in the face of an economic downturn. Voters see a relationship between comprehensive immigration reform and the economy and perceive an economic and fiscal benefit to passing reform. This poll is based on 1000 interviews nationwide with likely voters May 9-12, 2009.
Independents Take Center Stage in Obama Era

May 21, 2009 - The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
In this nationwide survey of adults, 63% of respondents told interviewers that they favor "providing a way for illegal immigrants currently in the country to gain legal citizenship if they pass background checks, pay fines and have jobs."
National Survey of Hispanic Voters on Immigration Policy

May 18, 2009 - Bendixen & Associates for America's Voice
This slide show reports the results of a survey of 800 Hispanic voters in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. It tests the importance of the immigration issue for these voters, how they might judge a candidate based on his or her immigration views, and how likely they are to vote in the 2010 election.
Change and Continuity: Public Opinion on Immigration Reform

May 18, 2009 - National Immigration Forum
This memo highlights the results of recent public opinion surveys indicating support for comprehensive immigration reform. It also looks at a survey that asked Latinos their thoughts about the immigration debate and how the debate might influence their vote. Context is provided by comparing current public opinion to surveys conducted in 2007 when Congress last attempted to pass immigration reform legislation.
Washington Post/ABC News Poll: Hot Button-Issues

April 30, 2009 - Washington Post/ABC News
A decisive majority, 61%, said they support giving “illegal” immigrants now living here the chance to stay. Support for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants is 31 points higher among those under 30 years of age than it is among seniors, 73 percent vs. 42 percent.
New York Times/CBS News Poll

April 27, 2009 - New York Times/CBS News
A plurality of adults, 44%, said that they favored allowing “illegal immigrants” to stay and to eventually apply for citizenship. Another 21% thought they should be allowed to stay and work as temporary guest workers. Looking at African Americans, the percentage who favor allowing undocumented immigrants to stay and work rises to 55%, with just 19% saying they should leave. (Question 51)
America’s Voice: Immigration

February 19, 2009 - Presented by Pete Brodnitz, BSG
This polling performed in congressional swing districts found that support of a comprehensive approach to immigration reform both increases a candidate's ballot support and improves the public perception of him or her on key qualities and attributes..
America’s Voice: Immigration 2008

February 19, 2009 - presented by Benenson Strategy Group and Lake Research Partners
Like the electorate as a whole, Latino voters strongly support comprehensive immigration reform. The main difference between Latinos and the larger electorate is a heightened sense of urgency. The Republican brand took a big hit among Latinos after the immigration fights of 2007..
2008

Statewide Surveys on Immigration Policy in Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada (Expanded)

September 10, 2008 - NDN
This poll looked at how the immigration issue played out in four states--Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Nevada--just prior to the 2008 election. In each of the four states, voters overwhelmingly support what has been called Comprehensive Immigration Reform, including a “path to citizenship” for undocumented immigrants.
2007

2007 National Survey of Latinos: As Illegal Immigration Issue Heats Up, Hispanics Feel a Chill

December 13, 2007 - Pew Hispanic Center
This survey finds that about half of Hispancis worry about deportation, for themselves, family or friends, nearly two-thirds say life is more difficult, and about half report at least one negative impact. But Latinos generally see illegal immigrants as a plus and oppose many of the new enforcement measures being pursued by federal and state authorities.
Decisión Política 2008

December 11, 2007 - Avanze/ImpreMedia
The vast majority of Hispanics in CA, FL, IL, NY and TX are in favor of a path to citizenship for undocumented Hispanics (84%). Democrats now enjoy a 58% to 20% advantage in voter registration and independents prefer a generic Democrat for president by a margin of 65% to 24%.
While Debate Rages, the Public Continues to Support Realistic Immigration Solutions

December 10, 2007 - National Immigration Foroum
This memo summarizes public opinion polling mainly from mainstream media organizations since after the 2006 elections, showing strong public support for immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Hispanics and the 2008 Election: A Swing Vote?

December 06, 2007 - Pew Hispanic Center
This nationwide survey of Hispanics, including 843 registered voters, found that 57% of Hispanic registered voters now call themselves Democrats or say they lean to the Democratic Party. There is now a 34 percentage point gap in partisan affiliation among Latinos. In July, 2006, the same gap was just 21 percentage points.
Many Would Deny Illegal Immigrants Access to Basic Social Services But Path To Citizenship Still Fin

December 05, 2007 - Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg
Approximately three out of five registered Democrats, Republicans, and Independents favor a Congressional proposal to a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Washington Post-ABC News Poll

November 04, 2007 - Washington Post-ABC News
51% of those surveyed said they would support 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.
Aquí Se Habla Español – and Two-Thirds Don’t Mind

October 08, 2007 - ABC News Good Morning America
Spanish speaking in the United States is widespread and accepted by most Americans. But a third who experience this language difference are troubled by it – and they have distinctly more negative attitudes about immigrants and Hispanics generally.
Immigration in the Garden State

July 29, 2007 - Monmouth University Polling Institute
65% of New Jersey Residents think that undocumented immigrants should be given a chance to keep their jobs and eventually apply for legal status. 30% think they should be deported back to their native country.
CBS News Poll: Immigration

June 28, 2007 - CBS News
65% of respondents said that they favored giving undocumented immigrants "a chance to keep their jobs and apply for legal status."
National Survey of Undocumented Latin American Immigrants

June 20, 2007 - New America Media / Bendixen & Associates
This survey found that undocumented immigrants are closely following the Senate immigration debate. These immigrants say they would comply with the fines and other requirements of the legalization program being discussed as part of the Senate bill.
Immigration Reform – A Texas Perspective

June 20, 2007 - Texas Employers for Immigration Reform / Baselice & Associates
59% of Texas voters a bill being considered by Congress that includes a process for illegal immigrants already in this country to gain legal status.
Public Sees Stalemate in Iraq, Support Path To Citizenship For Undocumented Workers

June 12, 2007 - Los Angeles Times / Bloomberg
63% of adults nationwide support allowing undocumented immigrants who have been living and working in the United States for a number of years, and who do not have a criminal record, to start on a path to citizenship.
Immigration Poll: 60 percent in Florida say legalize immigrants

June 11, 2007 - Miami Herald/Zogby International/WFOR-CBS4/Palm Beach Post/WPEC-CBS 12
60% of Floridian voters think that immigration reform should include "a path toward citizenship for most illegal immigrants with no criminal record if they pay a $5,000 fine and wait their turn behind legal immigrants to apply for permanent U.S. residency."
FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll

June 07, 2007 - FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll
67% of registered voters favor "giving illegal immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law a second chance and allowing them to stay in the United States."
Mixed Views on Immigration Bill

June 07, 2007 - The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
63% of adults favor providing a way for illegal immigrants currently in the country to gain legal citizenship if they pass background checks, pay fines and have jobs.
Washington Post-ABC News Poll

June 04, 2007 - Washington Post/ABC News
52% of adults nationwide support 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.
Immigration Bill Provisions Gain Wide Support in Poll

May 25, 2007 - New York Times/CBS News
62% of adults nationwide favor giving undocumented immigrants a chance to apply for legal status. Majority support for proposals that are included in S. 1348, The Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Reform Act
Poll: 79 Percent Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Stay for Citizenship

May 01, 2007 - California State University, Sacramento
71% of residents of the Sacramento, California, area favor a proposal to allow undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States and become U.S. citizens if they meet certain requirements over a period of time.
A National Survey of Voter Attitudes on Immigration

April 25, 2007 - National Immigration Forum and the Manhattan Institute
This poll shows that interest among voters in passing comprehensive immigration reform has increased since last year, and that support for comprehensive reform with a path to citizenship is still strong.
Washington Post-ABC News Poll

April 16, 2007 - Washington Post/ABC News
62% of adults nationwide favor allowing undocumented immigrants a chance to keep their jobs and to eventually apply for legal status.
Candidates’ Immigration Stance Matters Iowans Favor Earned Citizenship

April 11, 2007 - University of Iowa
Statewide, 57% of Iowa registered voters favor providing an opportunity for earned citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Less than a quarter favor deportation.
The Field Poll

April 10, 2007 - Field Research Corporation
This survey of California registered voters shows 83% support for a program that would allow undocumented immigrants an opportunity to stay in this country and apply for citizenship.
New York Times/CBS News Poll

March 13, 2007 - New York Times/CBS News
A majority of Americans, 59%, think that "illegal immigrants who have lived and worked in the United States for at least two years" should be given legal status. Only 36% favored deportation for these immigrants. (Question 17, in multi-subject poll.)
2006

Let Illegal Immigrants Become Citizens, U.S. Voters Tell Quinnipiac University National Poll

November 21, 2006 - Quinnipiac University
By a 69 - 27 percent margin, American voters say illegal immigrants should be allowed into a guest worker program with the ability to work toward citizenship over a period of several years.
A National Survey of Voter Attitudes Toward Immigration

November 07, 2006 - The Tarrance Group
This poll testing voter preference for a solution to the immigration problem reveals that many of those most interested in the immigration issue are those wanting a comprehensive solution. This group is not a monolithic bloc of immigration reform opponents who want just security and enforcement.
Strong support for allowing illegal immigrants already here to stay

July 27, 2006 - Field Research Corporation
This California poll found that 80% of Californians favor allowing undocumented immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for a number of years an opportunity to stay in this country and apply for citizenship. There is strong support (70%) for Congress to pass a comprehensive bill this year
A National Survey of Voter Attitudes on Immigration

July 25, 2006 - National Immigration Forum and the Manhattan Institute
Among the major findings: Voters want Congress to resolve the immigration problem this year. An approach similar to the one taken by the Senate has more support than a plan that includes only enforcement and a guest-worker plan. Statements viewed by Hispanics as too harsh towards immigrants or Hispanics are more likely to have had a negative impact on their support for Republican candidates
Polling Summary: Public Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

July 14, 2006 - National Immigration Forum
A survey of recent public opinion polls from a variety of sources showing solid support for comprehensive immigration reform
New Jerseyans Say Legal Immigration Is Good For The State

July 13, 2006 - Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University
By more than a two to one margin, New Jersey adults say that legal immigration is good for the State. Also, 65 percent said illegal immigrants who have lived and worked in the U.S. for at least two years ought to be allowed to eventually apply for legal status.
2006 National Survey of Latinos: The Immigration Debate

July 13, 2006 - Pew Hispanic Center
Latinos to some extent are holding the Republican Party responsible for the negative consequences of the immigration debate. At the same time, the Democratic Party showed no significant gains among Hispanic registered voters.
A Survey of Republican Voter Attitudes in the United States

June 22, 2006 - The Manhattan Institute
This survey found that Republican voters want Congress to solve the illegal immigration problem, and that they are more supportive of a comprehensive approach than they are of an enforcement-only approach.
Polling Wisdom on the Issue of Immigration

April 26, 2006 - Tarrance Group/Lake Research Partners
This slide show summarizes recent findings from a variety of surveys showing public support for comprehensive immigration reform.
Key findings from a nationwide survey of registered likely voters

March 31, 2006 - The Tarrance Group
A survey of likely voters finds that they have a strong preference for an immigration plan that includes an earned citizenship program.
Survey of Undocumented Immigrants in the United States

March 29, 2006 - National Immigration Forum and the Manhattan Institute
This survey explores the willingness of undocumented immigrants to participate in a legalization program similar to what is being contemplated in the Senate's comprehensive immigration reform bill.
2005

Republican Voters: Earned Legalization and Increased Border Security is Key to Immigration Reform

October 17, 2005 - Manhattan Institute
Likely Republican voters do not favor an enforcement-only approach to illegal immigration, instead favoring earned legalization. Enacting this reform would have a positive impact on their view of Congress
Earned Legalization and Increased Border Security is Key to Immigration Reform According to Republican Voters: New Poll

October 17, 2005 - Manhattan Institute
Likely Republican voters do not favor an enforcement-only approach to illegal immigration. They strongly favor earned legalization for illegal immigrants, and enacting this reform would have a positive impact on their view of Congress and President Bush.
A National Survey Of Voter Attitudes On Immigration

April 07, 2005 - National Immigration Forum and the American Immigration Lawyer's Association
A new poll shows support for proposals to allow foreigners and undocumented immigrants to obtain work permits and earn their way to citizenship.