The American Moral Compass: Immigration June 2012
IMMIGRATION 1
Executive Summary Immigration Many Americans are concerned about immigration and see it as a problem facing the country. But, most residents feel laws can both secure U.S. borders and show respect for immigrants. In fact, about threequarters of Americans support legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Yet, there seems to be a disconnect between support for legal rights and deep-rooted stereotypes. Despite the belief by most Americans that today s immigrants are average people coming to the United States seeking a better life, many Americans have mixed feelings when asked to attach descriptors to those coming across our borders. In fact, a majority agree that today s immigrants have strong family values, are hard-working, and religious. But, more residents than not, feel immigrants strain the U.S. health care system and public schools, are less willing to assimilate into the American way of life, take jobs, end up on welfare, or are here illegally. 2
Immigration: A Problem for America? Overall, do you think immigration is a major problem, a minor problem, or no problem for the United States? Six in ten Americans believe immigration is a major issue for the United States. Another 32% view it as a minor problem. Only seven percent of Americans do not think immigration is a problem. Minor problem 32% Digging Deeper: There has been a slight decline in the proportion of Americans who believe immigration is a major problem. In 2010, 65% of Americans held this view. No problem 7% Major problem 60% 3
Balancing Act Which statement comes closer to your view: One, it is possible to have laws which both respect immigrants and secure our borders; or two, it is necessary for laws to choose to either respect immigrants or protect our borders? Despite the perception that immigration is a major problem for the nation, 80% of Americans feel it is possible to have laws which secure the country s borders while respecting immigrants. Laws must choose 20% Laws can protect both 80% 4
Citizenship? Nearly three-quarters, 74%, of Americans support providing a path to citizenship, with specific requirements, for illegal immigrants who are currently in the U.S. Do you favor or oppose providing a way for illegal immigrants who are currently in the U.S. to gain legal citizenship if they learn English, pay fines and have jobs that pay taxes? 26% Oppose 74% Favor 5
The Pros and Cons Americans have mixed feelings about today s immigrants. On the plus side, Americans respect their strong family values, work ethic, and religious faith. But, many Americans also worry about limited resources in health care, education, and other support services. Please indicate if you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with each of the following statements about today s immigrants: Have strong family values 80% Strain the U.S health care system 76% Work just as hard as most Americans 79% Place a burden on the public schools 66% Are very religious 57% Are discriminated against 63% Pay their fair share of taxes 49% Learn English within a reasonable amount of time 47% Share your values 44% Are less willing to adapt to the American way of life than past immigrants Take jobs away from Americans 62% 61% Often end up on welfare 60% Are patriotic to America 43% Strengthen American society 42% *Presents percentage reporting Strongly agree/agree Most are in the United States illegally 60% Increase crime 53% 6
Characterizing Immigrants Most Americans believe today s immigrants are average people seeking a better life for themselves and their family in the United States. Which statement comes closer to your view about today s immigrants to the United States? 83% Most immigrants are average people who come to the U.S. for a better life for themselves and their family. 17% Most immigrants are looking for an easy way to make money and often get caught up in a life of crime. Digging Deeper: There has been a slight increase in the proportion of Americans who believe immigrants are average people looking to improve their life. In 2010, 77% of Americans held this view. 7
How the Survey was Conducted This study was done in partnership with The Knights of Columbus and conducted by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. This report details the findings from a survey of 1,053 adults residing in the continental United States. Data were collected from December 15, 2011 through December 27, 2011 using an online, probability-based panel from Knowledge Networks, Inc. Reports for adults have a margin of error within +/- 3 percentage points. The error margin increases for cross-tabulations. Please note that totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. 8
Contact Information Knights of Columbus Headquarters Mr. Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight Mr. Andrew Walther, Vice President, Media, Research and Development 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510 (203) 752-4253 The Knights of Columbus is one of the nation's premiere volunteer and charitable organizations. Last year, Knights worldwide donated nearly 69 million hours, and more than $150 million to charitable causes in communities throughout the Americas, as well in Europe and Asia. From helping children in need, to providing wheelchairs for the disabled, to helping stock food banks, to offering top-rated and affordable life insurance to its members, the Knights has been at the service of the community for more than 127 years, and is the world's largest Catholic service organization. Marist College Institute for Public Opinion Lee M. Miringoff, PhD Barbara L. Carvalho, PhD Susan K. McCulloch, PhDc Marist College 3399 North Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 575-5050 Founded in 1978, The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion (MIPO) is a survey research center at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The Marist Poll has conducted independent research on public priorities, elections, and a wide variety of social issues. Through the regular public release of surveys, MIPO has built a legacy of independence, reliability, and accuracy. Its results are featured in print and electronic media throughout the world. 9