Only 7 percent of Americans believe the U.S. immigration system is “generally working,” says a survey by the Brookings Institution and the Public Religion Research Institute. In a pair of questions, the survey finds majorities of 3 to 1 and 2 to 1 in favor of letting illegal immigrants already in the country become citizens rather than deporting them.
Respondents said they trusted Democrats more than Republicans to handle the issue properly. While 24 percent said immigration is their top priority, 65 percent said improving the job situation was key.
Support remained remarkably steady compared to a similar survey a year ago for a path to citizenship if illegal immigrants meet certain requirements, said the New York Times. It said Republicans were split on immigration.
Brookings and the research institute will hold a panel discussion today at 10:30 a.m. ET to review the survey. The session will be Webcast. For details, click here.
To read the “top line” results of the survey, click here.