By Dave Workman
A new Rasmussen survey reveals a huge philosophical chasm between Republicans and Democrats on the subject of deporting illegal immigrants, with 75 percent of likely GOP voters supporting deportation, while 67 percent of Democrats oppose it.
Caught in the middle are Independents, with 44 percent supporting deportation and 49 percent opposed.
The Rasmussen poll was conducted among 1,117 likely voters Jan. 28-29 and Feb. 1. According to Rasmussen, the results are about the same as a similar poll taken last October.
Rasmussen reported, “A narrow majority (51%) of all Likely Voters support legislation to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants and allow them to become permanent U.S. residents, including 23% who Strongly Support such legislation. Forty-four percent (44%) are opposed to amnesty, including 27% who Strongly Oppose it.”
As noted by the veteran polling firm, “74% of Democrats support legislation to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants and allow them to become permanent U.S. residents, and 69% of Republicans oppose such legislation.”
The issue is currently hot, primarily due to the extensive media coverage of protests in Minneapolis, where two people have been killed in separate confrontations with law enforcement.
The divide isn’t only political in nature. There’s also a generation gap at play.
“About two-thirds (66%) of voters under 30 would support amnesty for illegal aliens, while a majority of those 40 and older support deportation,” Rasmussen said.
Additionally, Rasmussen’s survey revealed, “Seventy-four percent (74%) of self-identified conservative voters would support a policy of deporting all illegal immigrants, while 84% of liberals would support legislation to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants and allow them to become permanent U.S. residents. Most moderate voters support amnesty (59%) and oppose deportation (51%) for illegal immigrants.”
How the issue will affect the November mid-term elections remains to be seen. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has bowed out of a re-election bid, clearing the way for Sen. Amy Klobuchar to run for the office, in an effort to keep the governor’s office under Democrat control.
