UK Guardian: Republicans take note: Americans are embracing immigration reform

[pampango]

As with gay marriage, voter views on immigrants and immigration have 'evolved'. The GOP can only lose by blocking reform

Back in 2010, politicians on both sides of the aisle were worried that they could be knocked out of office by people who wanted "build up a fence". Immigration, for instance, was a major rallying cry for insurgent Tea Party activists.

Now, however, Americans of all stripes have become increasingly progressive on almost all the issues around illegal immigration.

An overwhelmingly majority of Americans now believe that people who came to this country illegally should not be forced to leave it. In the latest CBS News poll, 74% of Americans – a record high – believe that undocumented immigrants should be allowed to apply for citizenship or stay as guest workers. That's up from 57% in mid-2011. Per a Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) survey, there isn't a single demographic group opposed to this proposal...

Indeed, the attitude towards immigrants themselves has changed tremendously over the past few years. Today, 49% of Americans believe that the hard work of immigrants strengthens the country, and only 41% believe they are a burden, according to Pew. In 2006, the margin was reversed with 52% saying immigrants were a burden and 41% disagreeing. We should only expect the margin to rise in the future, as 59% of 18-29 year-olds say immigrants strengthen society, while only 37% of people 65 and older agree.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/apr/04/republicans-americans-immigration-reform

No wonder republicans are scrambling to 'adjust' their immigration policy.

[dipsydoodle]

1. Without disagreeing

that's not a Guardian article incase nobody notices : its a blog post i.e. solely the opinion of the writer.