Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Survey Says ...

Posted By on Tue, May 22, 2007 at 5:08 PM

Rasmussen Reports has some interesting survey numbers regarding illegal immigration. The polling firm notes that 56 percent of adults surveyed support an enforcement-only approach to securing the border. More than six out of 10 people would support hiring 6,000 more Border Patrol agents, while 43 percent say they'd support hiring 100,000 more BP agents.

Support was significantly lower when people were asked whether they supported a path to citizenship for people in the country illegally combined with more border security. Just 42 percent said yes, while 44 percent were opposed.

The polling firm also noted that President George W. Bush was sinking to his lowest ratings ever. As the report notes:

Each time immigration reform dominates the news. President Bush’s Job Approval ratings tumble to new lows. Last week, a much-heralded agreement on “comprehensive” immigration reform was announced. By Saturday, the President’s Job Approval had fallen to 34. Just as important, the number who Strongly Approve of the President’s performance dipped to 13%. Both figures are the lowest ever recorded by Rasmussen Reports.

Overall, it is the War in Iraq that has hurt the President the most. However, immigration adds to the downward pressure on his numbers in a unique way—immigration costs the President support among his base. Today, as the immigration debate formally begins in Congress, just 68% of Republicans give the President their Approval.