The Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California polled registered voters on Arizona's move to make illegal immigration a state crime.
From the Los Angeles Times: "50% of registered voters surveyed said they support the law, which compels police to check the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally, while 43% oppose it⦠Strong majorities of white voters and those over 50 support the Arizona law, while Latinos and those under 30 are heavily opposed."
The 7% gap is well outside the margin of error.
The gap also shows that every city council in the state that is boycotting Arizona is out of step with the electorate.
The actual wording of the questions in the poll. From the poll PDF:
Q. 51 This law requires police who stop a person to question that person's immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" that he or she is in the United States illegally and gives police the power to question anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. It requires people to produce documents verifying their status if asked, and allows officers to detain anyone who cannot do so. Do you favor or oppose this new law?
Strongly favor 41
Not so strongly favor 8
Not so strongly oppose 7
Strongly oppose 36
Total favor 50
Total oppose 43
Q. 52 Now let me read you some statements that supporters and opponents of the law may make.
Opponents of this law say that we need to do something to address immigration, but this law goes too far and is not consistent with our American values. This law could legitimize racial profiling and encourage some police officers to stop people they suspect of being here illegally just by looking at them even if they have no evidence whatsoever.
Supporters of the law say that with as many as 15 million illegal immigrants in this country, we need to address immigration now. This law allows police officers to crack down on those violating the law, will reduce the number of illegal immigrants here, deter people from crossing the border illegally, reduce crime, and stop the flow of drugs into our country.
After hearing those two statements, do you favor or oppose this law?
Strongly favor 42
Not so strongly favor 8
Not so strongly oppose 8
Strongly oppose 35
Total favor 50
Total oppose 43 |