WASHINGTON – A new national poll in the United States has revealed broad support for the legal status of Caribbean and other immigrants but not broad support for their US citizenship.
The survey, conducted by the Washington-based Pew Research Center, showed that a significant number of Americans say that illegal immigrants should be permitted to remain in the country legally, but fewer than half say they should be allowed to apply for US citizenship.
The survey also finds that improving the US economy appears to have reduced opposition to immigration, both legal and illegal, with nearly half of all Americans, or 49 per cent, saying that immigrants strengthen the country because of their industriousness and skills.
The pollsters say that is the highest percentage on that question since September 2000.
By contrast, a smaller proportion of Americans, 41 per cent, say immigrants are a burden because they take US jobs, healthcare and housing.
The pollsters noted that about three years ago, in June 2010, the balance of opinion was anti-immigrant.
As the economy was struggling to emerge from the worst recession since the Great Depression, the Pew Research Center says half of those questioned, or 50 per cent, considered immigrants a burden to the United States, while just 39 per cent said they strengthen the country.
According to the new poll, support for granting legal status to Caribbean and other immigrants is highest among blacks (82 per cent), Latinos (80 per cent) and those with a college degree (84 per cent).
But the poll found that support for granting legal status is lower among whites without a college degree (61 per cent) and those ages 50-64 (65 per cent).
The new survey, however, says that across all demographic groups, a majority of those polled want illegal immigrants to be given a means of remaining in the US legally.
The new poll comes as legislators here are attempting to craft a comprehensive plan in addressing the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the US illegally.
US Senator Charles E. Schumer said on Friday that top business and labour groups were near agreement on a guest worker programme for low-skilled immigrants.
