There are many illegal immigrants in Louisiana and all over the country. Some of these immigrants would like to become American citizens, but have been unable to navigate the process. According to a recent poll published by the Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institute, 62 percent of Americans are in support of a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
Researchers interviewed a random sample of over 1,500 Americans who took the same survey last year. The survey indicates that the support for a path to citizenship if certain requirements are met is as steady as ever before. The support has only declined one percent from last year.
The poll results also showed that 17 percent of Americans would prefer that these undocumented immigrants acquire permanent resident status instead of citizenship. About 19 percent of Americans favor deportation.
About 51 percent of Republicans and only 37 percent of Tea Party Americans favor the path to citizenship. If Congress does not make any progress in terms of immigration reform before the 2016 presidential election, Republicans may be in trouble. A majority of registered voters, even Republican voters, reported that they would be less likely to vote for a candidate against a pathway to citizenship.
The survey results also indicated that around 60 percent of Americans have positive views of immigrants, saying that they strengthen the United States with their hard work and talents. With Americans so supportive of immigrants, there is hope for immigration reform in the near future.
In the meantime, those seeking legal permanent residency or citizenship should consider speaking with an immigration attorney. An experienced lawyer may be able to help clarify the process for an individual and guide him or her toward the future he or she desires and deserves.
Source: The New York Times, “Poll Shows Path to Citizenship is Favored,” Julia Preston, June 10, 2014