The American people are increasingly concerned about the issue of immigration. A growing number of citizens, some 52 percent, believe that immigrants take their jobs as well as housing, according to a March 2006 poll by the Pew Research Center. That compares to 38 percent in September 2000.
SOURCE: PEW HISPANIC CENTER, 2006
Latinos Are Viewed More Positively
Immigrants from Latin America are increasingly perceived in a favorable light. As of March 2006, 80 percent of immigrants from Latin America were thought of as very hard working compared to 63 percent in 1997.
SOURCE: PEW HISPANIC CENTER, 2006
Impact on Jobs
About two-thirds of people polled believe that immigrants take jobs that Americans do not want. Some 24 percent of people believe immigrants take jobs away from American citizens.
SOURCE: PEW HISPANIC CENTER, 2006
Split Over What to Do
The public is largely divided over what to do with America's immigration quandary. A little more than half - 53 percent - say illegal immigrants should be required to go home, while 40 percent say they should be allowed to stay. About half of those who believe illegal immigrants should be forced to leave say some should be allowed under a temporary work program.
