MYTH: Most Americans Don't Want Comprehensive Immigration Reform
-- June 18, 2009 --
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The economic downturn has a lot of people murmuring that now is not the right time for CIR. But, the opinion polls show otherwise. Before you throw your hands up in defeat when you hear someone repeat this myth, consider responding with these quick myth busting facts!
FACT: By consistently strong majorities, Americans want a fair, common sense plan to fix our broken immigration system. In 2009 as in previous years, voters want the President and Congress to advance an immigration plan that legalizes the undocumented workforce and requires them to pay taxes; levels the playing field for workers and employers; and restores the rule of law. The same was true in the run-up to the 2008 elections, when swing voters chose candidates who offered practical solutions to the broken immigration system over those who offered just empty rhetoric.
FACT: 71% of Voters Preferred That Illegal Immigrants Become Legal Taxpayers. An overwhelming margin of voters, 71% to 26% believed that illegal immigrants should take steps to become legal taxpayers. 71% of respondents also believe that those illegal immigrants should not be forced to leave and were not responsible for taking American jobs. [America's Voice, Benenson Strategy Group Poll, 5/14/09]
FACT: Majority of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Moderates, and Conservatives Supported Legalization. The Washington Post polling showed that support for legalization of undocumented immigrants was high despite political affiliation. 70% of liberals, 68% of Democrats, and 59% Republicans and Independents alike supported an amnesty program. [ABC News, 4/30/09]
FACT: By consistently strong majorities, Americans want a fair, common sense plan to fix our broken immigration system. In 2009 as in previous years, voters want the President and Congress to advance an immigration plan that legalizes the undocumented workforce and requires them to pay taxes; levels the playing field for workers and employers; and restores the rule of law. The same was true in the run-up to the 2008 elections, when swing voters chose candidates who offered practical solutions to the broken immigration system over those who offered just empty rhetoric.
FACT: 71% of Voters Preferred That Illegal Immigrants Become Legal Taxpayers. An overwhelming margin of voters, 71% to 26% believed that illegal immigrants should take steps to become legal taxpayers. 71% of respondents also believe that those illegal immigrants should not be forced to leave and were not responsible for taking American jobs. [America's Voice, Benenson Strategy Group Poll, 5/14/09]
FACT: Majority of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Moderates, and Conservatives Supported Legalization. The Washington Post polling showed that support for legalization of undocumented immigrants was high despite political affiliation. 70% of liberals, 68% of Democrats, and 59% Republicans and Independents alike supported an amnesty program. [ABC News, 4/30/09]
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Source: AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09061863 (posted Jun. 18, 2009) Â
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