Survey and Research Institute, San Jose State University
A poll conducted March 27 to 31 and just released by the Survey and Research Institute at San Jose State University shows that a strong majority—59% of California residents and 54% of voters favor allowing “undocumented or illegal aliens” to become legal residents of the state.
The survey found that the issue has become highly partisan and ideological. Democrats favor allowing a path to legal residency by 65-24% and Republicans are opposed 40-50%.Likewise, liberals favor the notion 63-23% and conservatives oppose it 43-47%.
The results are favorable for immigrants in all regions of the state, although by a narrow margin on the central coast. The central valley and rural California was also strongly supportive.
“Although some politicians appear to be trying to stir up the issue, our survey suggests that Californians are not nativistic or xenophobic,’’ said Phil Trounstine, director of the Survey and Policy Research Institute. “In fact, even when the issue is posed using a
politically incorrect term like ‘illegal immigrants,’ Californians say they think there ought to be a means by which these people can become legal residents.”
Asian-Americans are the least supportive of allowing a path to legal residency for illegal
immigrants and Latinos are the most supportive. Among whites, majorities of both adults and voters support a means by which illegal immigrants may become legal residents of California.
AP-Ipsos Poll
A nationwide poll by AP-Ipsos released yesterday shows that Americans are divided about whether undocumented immigrants help or hurt the country. 56% of those questioned are open to allowing undocumented workers to obtain some temporary legal status so they can stay in the United States.
