These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
Arizona Voters Favor Welcoming Immigration Policy, 64% Support New Immigration Law
Thursday, April 28, 2010
Like voters across the nation , most Arizona voters (57%) favor an immigration policy that welcomes all immigrants except "national security threats, criminals and those who would come here to live off our welfare system." A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Arizona voters finds that just 27% oppose such a welcoming policy.
At the same time, 76% say it is more important to gain control of the border than it is to legalize the status of undocumented workers. Only 19% believe it is more important to legalize the status of undocumented workers already in the country. These views, too, are consistent with national preferences. However, Arizona voters are a bit more focused on border control.
In that environment, 64% of Arizona voters favor the new immigration law signed last week by Governor Jan Brewer. Thirty percent (30%) are opposed ( see question wording ).
The law has sparked a national uproar but also has provided a significant bounce in the polls for the governor .
Thirty-six percent (36%) of Arizona voters are angry about the immigration situation. Another 25% say they're frustrated, and 37% say immigration is just one of many issues they have an opinion on.
Those who are angry are far more likely to be angry at the federal government than at immigrants seeking work. Eighty-five percent (85%) say they're angry at the federal government, while only 10% express anger at immigrants. This is also similar to views held nationwide.
Ninety-five percent (95%) of Arizona voters say they have followed news stories about the new law at least Somewhat Closely. That includes an astonishing 77% who have followed the news coverage Very Closely.
Eighty-seven percent (87%) say the new legislation will be important in determining how they vote. That includes 65% who say it will be Very Important. Among those who consider the legislation very important in their voting decision, 67% favor the law, and 31% are opposed.
By a 47% to 39% margin, Arizona voters believe the new law has had a negative impact on the state's image. However, by a 44% to 37% margin, they believe it will be good for the state's economy.
Fifty five percent (55%) say they favor "authorizing local police to stop and check the immigration status of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally." That's down from 70% two weeks ago.
The decline could be the result of vocal opposition to the measure and massive media coverage surrounding the issue. It also could be due to the fact that, on the new survey, it was asked immediately after another question about the law signed last week by the governor. Some may have perceived that the question was asking about an additional law. Future polling will indicate whether support for the law is changing over time.
Fifty-percent (50%) of Arizona voters are at least somewhat concerned that efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants also will end up violating the civil rights of some U.S. citizens. That's down slightly from 53% two weeks ago.