(Angus Reid Global Scan) – 04/21/2006 - Many Americans are upset at the public demonstrations organized by immigrants, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 71 per cent of respondents think it is inappropriate for illegal immigrants to protest for changes in U.S. law.

Last month, the Pew Hispanic Center calculated the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States at somewhere between 11.5 million to 12 million. While California is home to most workers, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have the greatest rates of increase.

On Apr. 10, protests against proposed immigration laws took place in 102 American cities. An estimated 500,000 people gathered in Dallas. Also, an event called a "Day Without Immigrants"—meant to showcase the importance of both legal and illegal immigrants—has been scheduled for May 1. 47 per cent of respondents say the protests have made them less likely to support easing immigration laws in the U.S.

In December 2005, the House of Representatives passed a bill that seeks to make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally or to help an undocumented person stay in the country. The proposal also calls for the construction of a new 1,100 kilometre fence on the U.S.-Mexico border.

On Apr. 6, several senators announced a compromise package that would place illegal immigrants in three different groups depending on the amount of time they have spent in the U.S. The plan, called the "roots concept" by Republican lawmakers, would favour persons who have lived in the U.S. for more than five years. The proposal was not ratified before a two-week congressional break.

Polling Data

Do you think it is appropriate for immigrants who are in the United States illegally to protest for changes to U.S. law?

Have the immigration protests and demonstrations made you more or less likely to support easing immigration laws in the United States?