Hey, Congress! Get a load of this immigration poll

A new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg News Poll to be released momentarily shows a startling break between what Americans feel about illegal immigrants and what a minority of Congress is saying, or rather shouting.

The new poll reveals that a large majority of Americans--including two-thirds of Republicans--favor allowing illegal immigrants to become citizens under certain conditions. Only 23% of those polled oppose allowing immigrants to legalize their status by paying fines, learning English and meeting other requirements. Such requirements are a central tenet of the controversial compromise legislation stalled in the Senate, suggesting opposition comes from a small but very vocal minority who call such provisions "amnesty."

The new poll also found that President Bush's approval rating has sunk to 34%, down from 45% last September and the lowest such rating registered by The Times in his presidency. Even his approval among Republicans is down to 70% from 83% last fall.

Another poll finding: fully 69% of Americans (71% of registered voters) believe the country is seriously on the wrong track, nearly the worst measure of pessimism in 15 years.

This could help explain why the same polling data shows the approval rating of Congress has fallen to its lowest level in a decade of Times polls. As Noam Levey reported in this morning's Times, only 27% of Americans approve of Congress' job under the new Democratic majority. That's down from 36% in January.

Only 36% approve of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's job while--Hello there, Newt--46% say they approved of Newt Gingrich's job when he took over in 1994. (Alas for Newt, during his Speakership his favorability ratings never topped 30%. Time does make the heart grow fonder.)

To read Janet Hook's complete Times story, click here. The story also contains a pdf file with the poll data.

--Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[enforcement1st]

You know what? I'll bet the Spanish speaking folks in Los Angeles were given this poll. I know I wasn't asked. Let's enforce the LAWS on the books, then see about legalizing those here illegally.

[vondur]

Whom did you ask, the illegal aliens, or the companies that profit from cheap illegal labor? Most other polls point to the exact opposite of your "poll"; nice try in trying to manipulate public opinion.

[Steve]

Why should we care about anyone's opinion on this topic if they aren't directly affected by the massive influx of illiterate poor people? And who cares about a path to citizenship? It's not whether we allow them to be citizens or not, it's whether they are in the US or not.

[Tom]

LOL The LA Slimes rides again. Why don't you just capitulate completely and become a Spanish only paper. Hispandering is something you guys to so oh very well.

Polls are meaningless in this debate. For every poll you find yes, I'll find two that say no. The difference being, I can at least admit that polls can and are manipulated to get the result they want.

Nice try LA Slimes!!

[David B]

Where was this poll given? Must people want are laws enforced first. Stop businesses from hiring illegals,stop the flow of people coming here illegally.
Then and only then do we address the people here illegally.

[LibsLieLike IBreathe]

Hey LA Times, next time conduct your poll somewhere else other than the local taco truck. I have yet to talk to ANYONE not speaking spanish only who supports AMNESTY for the 20 million illegal invaders.

[valycat]

1,183 people polled! Big deal!!!
This is typical LATimes liberal slant/hype shouting headlines - pro illegal aliens. No wonder California is such a problem for the rest of the nation.

[E. Scott Channell]

I am very curious as to how this poll was conducted and would love to see some supporting evidence that the "large majority" of Americans support this bill - I know that I sure don't.

[JD]

The poll is an example of responsible, diligent journalism. I have renewed faith in the American Public, because the status quo is unacceptable. It's time for reform, and as imperfect as it might always be, you can always make adjustments in the future.

[StorminQ]

A fine example of push polling. Why not ask how many Americans favor the notion that the so called temporary "Z" Visas being proposed will allow immediate, indefinite and virtually unconditional legal status before border enforcement measures have been implemented and without imposing any penalties to would be recipients whatsoever?

[Mark Smith]

Who exactly is being poled here? The illegal aliens? It is exactly this form of trying to make the news rather than just simply reporting it that has turned the LA Times and many other "established" newspapers into financial sinkholes. People are tired of the attempts of the Times (amongst others) to push their bias regarding various news stories and are voting with their pocketbooks.

[JR]

LOL! "Under certain conditions." Like what? After the border is closed and the fence is built? Might want to include facts like that. And you guys wonder why your circulation is in the toilet? Good grief.

[Caliban]

I am not surprised...normal people respond logically when given rational questions...sorry blogosphere-talk radio droids of the right wing...you are a minority...angry, yes...hostile, yes...cut your nose to spite your face, A BIG YES...in the normal majority, NO. The average American knows better and is very wise/savvy. It is time for the anti-immigrant crowd to pack up their bags and move to Los Cabos! Back to cussing, swearing and spitting...

[Legilization not Nativism]

Now we know where that 23% is writing to let out their frustrations!

PS
It wouldn't make a different after about the 1,183 individuals they chose. Its simple statistics.

[Michael Almeida]

I'm guessing the LA Times is still unaware of the Rasmussen poll? It's also interesting to note that alot of the LA Times Immigration Polls are done in both English AND SPANISH. It should be obvious to anyone that Spanish-speakers will be more inclined to support legalization for illegal immigrants, especially in regions that have high concentrations of illegal immigrants.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/

[John Bowman]

Gray Davis put his faith in an LA Times poll, look what happened to him. Moral of the story? Don't believe any LA Times poll or immigration story.

[Joey]

Please LA Times, your are a racist newspaper? The Mexican in Mexico booed mIss USA for what? Illegal are illegals. If you love them, let them live in your house but not in the USA. The Poll you did are mostly Spanish that favors the USA to be like the corrupt, illiterate mexican government.

[Julian Franco]

You people are in lala land!!! Where is your data? It was grassroots uproar that killed the pendng bill to grant amnesty to the illegals in the senate.

[Will]

THe LA Times polls have been off many times -- almost advocating polling supporting the newspapers own editorial position. Can we say Gray Davis? If everyone who supposedly supports "amnesty" read the fine points of the so-called "bi-partisan legislation", 90% of the country would be against the proposal. Hiint: Read the Rasmussen report as mentioned earlier. Before anyone can discuss legalization issues the border needs to be adressed first. How can you legalize 12-20 million indviduals when they are all here in most cases because there is no border security to begin with? Also, I know of no one who is "anti-immigrant" -- legal immigration is fine. It is ILLEGAL immigration that we are discussing here with rational viewpoints. Sure there are a few who are overboard in comments but they are represented equally on the right, left and those who advocate open-borders.

[danny ibarra]

Sounds like you polled citizens of Huntington Park, You got to be serious! You don't need to be a genius to realize the outcome.

[No way Jose]

You must be joking. Every day this is on the news more and more Americans are against this awful amnesty bill. If you can't report honestly and fairly, then just keep your mouth shut. The LA Times is more worthless than George Bush.

[John Silvers]

It seems the LA Times is polling its editors again. Since journalists no longer exist now days, this is the kind of junk that Americans are forced fed as "news" by today’s biased, agenda driven media.

[Waset Regir]

This is why I don't subscribe to the Los Angeles Times. Are you being funded by the Mexican government? As someone above my post already stated, I may know 2 or 3 fools who think giving the Great American Sleepover (better known as Amnesty) is a good thing to do, but the rest of the people I know agree that this bill and any bill that GIVES citizenship to illegal aliens is bad for the citzenry.

Let me know when the poll on reparations is ready for viewing, I'm sure you won't call any African Americans and ask them about that issue. Oh, and while you're at it, what's the status of the 9th ward in New Orleans? Are the houses built back up yet? Can the citizens return to their native city, or have the illegal aliens taken up residence on the Promenade?

WASET

[Walter Hoskins]

There are people who drive down your street well above the speed limit and they don't get caught. Should we raise the speed limit to accomadate them? Not likely nor should we issue a mass legalization only to have more on the way. This poll is clearly nonsense

[Keith]

I'm sure that most Americans don't object to a path to citizenship after certain conditions are met. But I'll lay money that a $3500 fine won't cut it with most folks. Poll questions can be framed to push results anyway a pollster wants. Ask the question, "Do you think an American citizenship is worth $3500?" See what results you get with that question.

[Mike K.]

The problem with the previous LA Times or NY Times polls on the question of USA immigration is that on inspection; they game the poll. What I mean here is instead of just asking, “Are you for or against the current immigration bill before Congress?” The questions becomes, “If the borders are secured should a immigrant who currently resides in USA that learns English and pays a fine; be allowed a path to become a legalized resident?” See the difference?
A few question I’m guessing that will have not be asked in the LA Times poll is:
1. Do favor more or less legal immigration?
2. Should illegal immigration be stopped?
3. Should illegal aliens convicted of a felony be allowed a path to residency?
4. Do you support the current immigration bill before Congress?

[/////ANDRE]

The L.A. Times are experts at crafting polls to come out the way they want.
Besides this poll, their "Who would you vote for President" poll cunningly left out Ron Paul!
Whether you like Ron Paul or not, he is a valid candidate. Been in the debates and has registered
with the "elections bureau", raised over 5 Million $$$, and has done surprisingly well in all the online polls.
Are they part of the "conspiracy" to silence him???
Let the voters decide, please!

[Tyler Griffith]

This isn't new, poll after poll indicates that the vast majority of Americans think undocumented immigrants should have a chance to adjust their status provided they meet certain requirements such as background checks, English proficiency, pay back taxes, etc. However, it is the minority which opposes immigration overhaul that is the most outspoken about it. People who support the bill will not go out of their way to support the bill which is why it may seem "odd" that the majority of polls favors comprehensive immigration reform when in fact that is what most Americans think.

[ViscaelBarca!]

Only 23% of those polled oppose allowing immigrants to legalize their status by paying fines, learning English and meeting other requirements.

The LA Times is a joke! Look at the poll centers both on CNN and Fox. Either of those polls strongly hanker against amnesty for illegal aliens.
I used to think that Bill O'Reilly was a pirate, now I am convinced that the LA Times is as deceptive as a Communist era Newspaper. Furthermore, you did not mention what the 'conditions' were for 70% Republicans to approve of granting of amnesty for illegal immigration. Could it be that the 70% of Republicans mandate that the illegal aliens pay fines, learn English and meet other requirements such as purchasing vehicular insurance? Surely, this blog is a joke!

[Nope]

Most Americans do NOT favor any path to citizenship, they numbers are just too large. How will the goverment process this 12 or 20+ million person amnesty when it can't even handle passport back logs?
Sorry but the laws must be enforced. Rally for changes in your home country, good luck.

[Bobc]

Odd there are so many different polls. It just came out that when Harry Reid started this sham of an immigration reform bill, his approval rating dropped to 19%, lower than Bush ever got.

The last Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll found that just 23% of Americans supported the legislation. When a bill has less popular support than the War in Iraq, it deserves to be defeated.

There is no mystery to why the public opposed the bill. In the minds of most Americans, immigration reform means reducing illegal immigration and enforcing the border. Only 16% believed the Senate bill would accomplish that goal.

Enough said!

[Ironskull]

As usual the L.A. Slimes has it wrong. If we give amnesty to the 20 million illegals already here of which a large percentage are killing people by driving drunk, gang banging etc, next year there will be 40 million looking for hand-outs

[Rick from Pa]

No one called us here in Hazelton, Pa?

[Mike el Californeo]

Speaking from the perspective of a native Californian whose family arrived in the early 1800s , I can safely say the loudest voices are two , maybe three generations removed from an uninsured dirty immigrant status themselves. In California Our big problem in the 1850's was our unerring politeness and hospitality towards the gabachos from the country to the East. Doomed by our own culture, we were suddenly flooded with these types who demanded we change our language and even our real estate laws. Now their children's children's children call Ken and John and bemoan the same fate that was suffered 100 years ago by MY forbears.

Ironic , that. The only difference was that we recognized the futility in fighting historical movements and migrations of peoples. The school systems failed these guys; they have no overview of history. Perhaps they were home schooled.

[Jon]

I took my own poll....
100% of the people who have commented on here:
-Think the polls taken by L.A. times are a joke
-seem to be agianst illegal immigrants being given amnesty
-& seem to think there are greater priorities than dealing with those who already reside here, although they still realize illegal is still illegal

this pole was open to ANYONE (over 13) who read the article and felt like commenting on the article, everybody who commented was "polled" (-their comments were read and taken into consideration), and to top that off, anybody can go and repeat this same poll (by reading the comments) and find the same results.

[Enough Ofbush]

Once again, we don’t have an immigration problem. We do have an ILLEGAL immigration problem. Amnesty is not the answer now as it wasn’t back in 1984.

Four million were legalized back then when that was supposed to take care problem. Now we are looking at 12 million. What’s next? 30 million?
No new legislation is needed either. Just ENFORCE the laws already in the books. Build the wall, go after the employers and do not provide federal funds to so called “sanctuary” cities. Even though this is a federal matter, all affected need to do their part to minimize the rewards of coming over instead of making it easier to remain once they’re here.

While you’re at it, make English the official language of all governmental agencies, at all levels. Remove citizenship from “anchor” babies and replace it with just legal residency. By being here, wages are depressed and even though they might not be currently competing with you and me for a job, ( I guess there aren’t that many editorial writers in the bunch ) their children will be competing with yours. Deport as many as we can and the rest will self-deport once they find it impossible to find a job.

The conditions that drive these people here will never go away as long as we keep bending over backwards every couple of years to accommodate them. It’s time to get serious about this issue. After all this isn’t rocket science.

[karen]

This is like saying 99% of people love Bush. Which people are you polling? What did you ask them? And were they high at the time?

Okay, I 'm kidding about high. But SOMEBODY must be on drugs if they believe the results of this poll.

Polls produce results that are skewed by the questions asked. Did you ask how much money the poll respondents thought was fair to charge for "citizenship"? Did you ask what benefits these immigrants should be eligible for? Did you ask whether all their family members would also be eligible for citizenship? Did you ask how long illegals should be here before they could be citizens? You get my drift. The answers you get depends upon the questions you ask. And if you ask unspecific questions you will get statistically meaningless answers.

[Dana]

This constant attempt of the LAT to justify its pro-illegal immigration stand with another 'Aha!' moment is becoming so tiresome. Read every posting here in this comment section and run your poll numbers again based on random citizens taking the time to rebuke you yet again for such disingenuousness.

[Cdad113]

I find the immigration debate very interesting. My great, great, grandfather came to this country in the 1850s, before we had quotas, back when this nation welcomed the hungry and poor from foreign lands without question. My ancestors didn’t speak any English, they were Catholic, and worked hard at jobs the upper, Protestant, English speaking class wouldn’t do. On Sunday, they only day they had off, they liked to gather in city parks with other non-English speakers and drink beer and eat sausages, while watching people play games. These Germans, Poles, Italians and Irish (hello Bill O’Rielly and Sean Hannity), were looked down upon as the great unwashed by the keepers of America’s cultural purity. These immigrants were so despised that many cities passed laws that closed the city parks on Sundays because the ruling class didn’t think it was proper for them to partake in such leisure activities. And look, oh my gosh, they corrupted America, now a large number of Americans like going to baseball, football and basketball games on their days off, where they drink beer, and eat hot dogs, oh the horror! Those dang immigrants and their corrupting influence on America! It is a good thing that we are being more diligent today. After all, the great, great grandson of this poor immigrant is now a college graduate, proud father, 40-hour a week worker, who attends church, pays taxes, donates money to charity, and votes in elections. It is a wonder this country hasn’t collapsed under the evil influence of those dang non-English speaking, Catholic, beer drinking, foreigners. I want to thank that 23 percent for doing their best to keep foreigners out.

[Dennis Stoecker]

Let me see the demographics and the questions. You are playing with a stacked deck. Spit out the big picture.

[Scorpionmpst]

Please don't encourage the illigal immigrants! Save the USA!

[Scorpionmpst]

If there is an illigal immigrant Amnesty, there will be millions of illegals crowded in in next few years. Border Security first!

[Robert]

A statistically valid pole indicating most Americans support citizenship for illegal immigrants intimates that most Americans are stupid Joes. The driving construct of "immigration reform" should be resource futurs -- water, petroleum, industrial effluent especially Climate Change Gases, consumption of agriculture lands for more housing and etcetera. As the U.S. population grows through immigration so our collective future will be increasingly grim.

A geologist.

[Brian Kelly]

Hay L. A. Times next time you decide to take a pole on what the Average American thinks about the illegal who are invading our country make sure to ask me and every one else that is here lawfully and not just those that are here illegally or their family members that are hiding them or are helping to import them or the scum that hires them. At what point do we stop punishing people for braking the law and start rewarding them? But then after reading the news there is no law any more. It makes me sick to even hear how our government is even thinking about letting these people become U.S. citizens! If you want to become a U.S. citizen then get to the back of the line behind every one else that is going about it lawfully! You are here illegally so you have NO RIGHTS! This is a free country so feel free to leave any time.

[Snark17]

The New York Times published a similar phoney poll a couple of weeks ago. Across the political spectrum most Americans are opposed to a broad amnesty for illegal immigrants.

If you don't believe me, check the online polls on CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle (not conservative readerships by any means) and two thirds of respondents opposed this immigration bill. That's why it died, not just because conservatives opposed it.

[marc]

Where do you get your poll numbers? Do you poll just illegals? Have you ever asked people who vote or who live and pay taxes here? Get real LA Slime. I just told my wife to cancel her subscription.

[Sam]

I think your poll LA Times was actually "The majority of Americans--including two-thirds of Republicans say NO to any allowing of illegal immigrants to become citizens unless they go back and come in the front door as they should have in the first place". Get is right LA Times, you’re a joke!

[buz algood]

I lost trust in LAT after the election year smear of Arnold. Their polls and articles dealing with illegal immigration are similarly slanted. I am waiting for the traditional LAT spring puff piece on the illegal alien valedictorian and his/her righteousness.

[Violeta]

Why doesn't the LA Times ever bring up the financial effects of absorbing 12 to 20+ millions of illegals? They are low wage earners who get 3 dollars back in government services for every dollar they pay in taxes. How does the country benefit from giving amnesty to so many low skilled people who in turn will bring their spouses, children, parents, etc. They will be able to get food stamps, low cost housing, welfare supplements not counting the cost of paying for their children's education, health care, etc. How about securing the borders and going after employers who hire illegals first? So after this amnesty will the LA Times ask for amnesty for the next 60 million who will come hoping for yet another? This is insane!

[rd]

The LA Times must have a very pathetic and judgemental ridership. These folks don't want to accept the poll results because they don't like the illegals/Hispanic, which comes clear through many of the comments here. They're a bunch of unforgiving, cranky rednecks who shun the idea of treating illegals in a favorable way more than they favor border security. The term "amnesty" has cloaked the entire debate, as if nothing else mattered. What did these illegals do that was so henious that it's inconceivable to forgive them in any way? Many commenters language reeks of venom. Is this the "real" America? That'd be a sad day.