Here are some poll numbers released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
Americans Support Universal Health Coverage, But Not If It Covers Illegal Immigrants
Friday, June 12, 2009
Eighty percent (80%) of U.S. voters oppose providing government health care coverage for illegal
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 11% disagree and think coverage for illegals is a good idea.
Most voters also oppose making health insurance mandatory for all Americans .
Still, two-thirds (65%) believe that every single American should have access to quality health
While most Americans support the idea of providing quality health care coverage for all Americans, they overwhelmingly oppose such a proposal if it also includes coverage for illegal immigrants. Only 20% favor a proposal for universal health care if illegal immigrants are included. Seventy percent (70%) are against such a proposal.
But, as is often the case, there's a wide division between Mainstream America and the Political Class on this question. The Political Class is evenly divided on the question of a universal health care plan that includes coverage for illegal immigrants. Those with populist or Mainstream views are overwhelmingly opposed.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that up to 22% of the 46 million people in America without health
Roughly nine-out-of-10 conservatives oppose providing coverage for illegals, even in the context of a plan that provides quality health care for all Americans. Liberals are evenly divided over such coverage if it's part of a universal plan.
The public gives mixed reviews to the details of a proposed universal health care plan that have emerged so far from congressional Democrats.
A key sticking point is whether the government should create its own insurance plan to compete with private health insurers.
Americans are very closely divided on that idea. It will be interesting to see if those numbers change now that the president has begun championing the idea this week.
Support for health care reform has slipped slightly as more voters think President Obama should work harder on his promise to cut the federal deficit in half in the next four years .
Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters nationwide say it is very important for the government to improve its enforcement of the borders and reduce illegal immigration , but just 32% of America's Political Class agrees.
A majority of voters also favor strict government sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants . Yet despite reports that the president plans to begin a push for immigration reform, voters rank it fifth out of five priorities he has proposed this year .
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To view a copy of the original report, please use this link: Why Give Illegals Health Coverage?