(Week of 6/22/2013) The Senate, working on immigration reform, passed a major part of that legislation Monday, when it voted to improve border security. That part of the immigration package continues to have the strong support of the American public, according to the latest Economist/YouGov Poll. By more than two to one, the public favors building more border fences.
This component of immigration reform gets bipartisan support. 48% of Democrats are in favor, as are 84% of Republicans. However, Hispanics oppose more border fences, which could impact illegal immigration from Latin America, 47% to 41%.
The general principle of a path to citizenship does not get bipartisan support. The public favors a path to citizenship for those illegal immigrants currently in the United States (there has been even more support in previous polls when specific requirements are given for achieving that end).
By more than three to one, Democrats support the pathway in principle; by more than two to one, Republicans do not.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can be found here
Photo source: Press Association
