Republicans, Other Americans Increasingly Supportive of Immigration
Republicans, Other Americans Increasingly Supportive of Immigration
Majority of the Country Supports Reform
(Washington, D.C.) – The Pew Research Center recently released a broad survey regarding the "Political Polarization in the American Public" which found that Democrats and Republicans are more divided along ideological lines now than at any point in the last two decades. The survey of more than 10 thousand Americans shows that partisan feelings have doubled over the last twenty years. And in contrast to popular perceptions, the poll shows a significantly more positive attitude among conservatives towards immigration since Pew began asking the question 20 years ago. In 1994, 64 percent of Republicans agreed with the statement that immigrants "burden on our country because they take our jobs, housing and health care." Now only 46 percent agree – an overall reduction of 18 percent. There has been a similar improvement in the view of self-identified Democrats as well.
Other polls also confirm today's positive views. The American Action Forum recently found that 78 percent of GOP voters support step-by-step immigration reform – with earned legal status supported by a margin of 56 to 36 percent. Likewise, the Public Religion Research Institute found that 62 percent of Americans support earned citizenship while 17 percent support only legal status.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:
"Americans recognize that our Immigration system is broken – and that it is hindering our economic recovery and breaking up families. These polls show a very clear trend in the way Americans feel about the our Immigration system – and about the positive contributions of immigrants in general. The people are ready for policy solutions that are responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs and job creators, while providing compassionate avenues for families to stay together, and for immigrants to become fully contributing members of society.
It is time for officials to set aside partisan considerations and heed the will of those who elected them to lead. Market-based, employment-driven immigration reform is supported by more and more Republicans and Democrats. Congress and the White House should work together to improve enforcement, address the young people brought here without documentation through no fault of their own, and resolve the status of the millions here without documentation."
Through the ESTAMOS CONTIGO (We are With You) campaign for immigration reform, the LIBRE Initiative is providing an avenue for constituents to reach out to their Senators and Representative in Congress to work together to pass immigration reform legislation that is employment-based and market-driven. Read more about LIBRE's Statement of Principles on Immigration Reform.
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.
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