Californians voters differ on proposals for Immigration Law

Field Poll Online ^ | 4-18-06 | Parousia

[parousia]

Field Poll #2191 released April 12, 2006 reveals the views of Democrats and Republican voters in California diverge widely on many aspects of the proposed immigration legislation, as do the opinions of Latino voters. Support for proposals vary. Nine different proposals were tested in the survey. Six receive majority support, albeit at differing levels, one proposal divides voters almost evenly, while two are rejected by solid majorities. The proposal garnering the most support is one which was being debated by the U.S. Senate before it recessed last week. It calls for “allow(ing) undocumented workers who have lived in the U. S. for five years an opportunity to become citizens, so long as they remain employed, learned English and paid any back taxes or fines they may owe.” Statewide, 75% of voters favor this idea, while 21% are opposed. Another proposal approved by 60% of this state’s voters calls for “imposing stiff penalties on employers and individuals who hire illegal immigrants.”

A similar majority (60%) also favors the idea of “creat(ing)e a temporary worker program for illegal immigrants that would legalize their status and allow future immigrants to work in the U.S.” A 58% majority of Californians supports “require(ing) undocumented workers who have lived in the U. S. for more than two years, but less than five years, to briefly leave the country and report to an American port of ent ry, where they would be classified as temporary workers.” One of the more contentious proposals called for in the Senate plan would “require illegal immigrants who have lived in the U.S. less than two years to leave the country. ” It is supported by a 54% to 36% margin among California voters.

[parousia]

The spectacle of well organized mass demonstrations in cities across the country involving hundreds of thousands of latinos and open borders groups demanding citizenship and 'immigrants rights' for all illegals put pressure on Congress as it debated reform proposals for an improved immigration policy. But skillful filibustering by Senator Reid and emotional speeches left doubts about the ability of the Senate to pass laws that can stem the flow of illegals over the border and produce enforcement of our laws that, if and when implemented, will receive wide support of the voters. The wide gap between those who favor amnesty (by any other names) and those who want stricter control of our borders is reflected in the recent polls. The Field poll reveals that Californians are influenced by the media hype and pro-immigration stance of the heavy hitters Kennedy, McCain, Spectar, Lindsey Graham and undoubtedly by the medias reporting of the 'political revolution' inspired by the protests. But what part the will of the majority played if any in the passage of of a good immigration bill acceptable to the voters remains to be seen.

[stopem]

I think the majority of Americans will reject any idea of rewarding the illegal invaders.

With Iran's threats to Americans, saying they have people in place in our country to attack us all the more securing the border is imperative!

If Congress dooes not secure the border immediately with armed guards the blood of Americans will be on their head.

Anyone who supports illegal invaders are socialist communists who do not care about this country and it's citizens.

Having 10-20 MILLION of these illegal invaders here already and not knowing who they are, what their true intent is for this country is extremely dangerous but to pass amnesty is to pass disaster!!

[Liz]

These slick politicians are looking for ways to get new voting blocs---they will screw the citizenry without blinking an eye. The only laws we need are those that protect our national security and reinforce the rights of US citizens over illegal invaders. California should try this on for size:

The Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act:

1. Requires that a contractor or subcontractor doing business with any state or local government agency use a federal work authorization program to verify the legal status of all new hires. Effective July 1, 2007, for employers, contractors or subcontractors with 500 or more employees; July 1, 2008, for those with 100 or more employees, and July 1, 2009, for the smallest employers.

2. Establishes penalties for human trafficking. Penalties of up to 20 years in prison would be imposed for anyone involved in subjecting a person to forced labor or sexual servitude. Effective July 1, 2007.

3. Authorizes the state to enter into an agreement with the federal government to have certain Georgia law enforcement officers trained to enforce immigration laws. Effective July 1, 2007.

4. Requires that any illegal immigrant arrested and jailed for a felony or DUI offense be reported to federal immigration authorities. Effective July 1, 2007.

5. Regulates the "notarios" industry, non-attorneys who offer immigration assistance services. Effective July 1, 2007.

6. Prohibits employers from claiming wages of $600 or more paid to illegal immigrants to be claimed as a tax deduction. Effective Jan. 1, 2008. Require that a 6 percent state income tax be withheld from the wages for an illegal immigrant when an IRS form 1099 has been filed. Effective July 1, 2007.

7. Requires all state and local government agencies to verify the legal status of any adult applying for taxpayer-provided benefits. Effective July 1, 2007.

[Man50D]

Here's a crazy idea. How about enforcing the existing federal immigration laws!

[stopem]

Every state needs to pass strict laws against all illegal invader.

So glad to see Georgia take this stand.

[Mayflower Sister]

***Here's a crazy idea. How about enforcing the existing federal immigration laws!***
____________________________________________________________

Aw come on, that won't give the current Congressmen and Senators any credit... This whole thing is designed to make it look good for them (like they are really working very very hard - wink - wink)

As if we could have any confidence that any NEW laws would be enforced.

[Puppage]

I think the majority of Americans will reject any idea of rewarding the illegal invaders

Which is EXACTLY the reason, We The People are not allowed to vote on this issue as we should be.

[sportutegrl]

This poll has too many choices, and each choice is very complex. This is usually done when you want to obscure the results. For instance, you could ask in several different complex ways if one favors building a wall or deporting illegal aliens, to 'split the vote' so that the poll doesn't reveal that a solid high majority wants to build a wall and deport illegals.

[jackbenimble]

This poll has too many choices, and each choice is very complex.

This poll is designed to yield the desired result.

FAIR has a new study out which tries to quantify the costs of Amnesty. The High Cost of an Illegal Alien Amnesty .

The cost to California is projected as a net of $8 billion annually over the $10 billion net that illegal immigration is currently costing California taxpayers. Costs will go up because legalized illegals will be eligible for many more taxpayer funded social services and because all of the proposal allow for the importation of many new guests and their families.

I bet the results of the poll would look a lot different if they had added the following words to the beginning of each of those questions:

Knowing that guest workers will cost California taxpayers an additional $8 billion per year in social expenses in excess of the taxes the guests contribute, would you favor a plan that ....

[clawrence3]

Other polls have similar results:

"Would you favor or oppose allowing immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally to apply for work permits which would allow them to stay and work in the United States?"
Favor 49%
Oppose 43%
Depends 4%
Unsure 4%

"Would you favor or oppose allowing illegal immigrants who have done the following to stay and work in the United States: paid a fine, been in the U.S. for at least five years, paid any back taxes they owe, can speak English, and have no criminal record?"
Favor 74%
Oppose 23%
Unsure 3%