2006-03-29-皮尤-America_s_Immigration_Quandary_84页_334kb

America's Immigration Quandary Summary - March 30, 2006

I. Public Opinion on Immigration as a National Problem

• Most Americans (4%) view immigration as a very pressing national concern, behind terrorism, government dissatisfaction, and crime.
• The issue ranks low locally as well, with immigration seen as a very big community problem by only 21-36% of surveyed metropolitan areas.
• Phoenix stands out, with 78% considering immigration a key local issue, contrasted with Chicago where 64% see it as a minor problem.

II. Immigration Concerns vs. Positive Views

• Americans increasingly worry about immigration burdening jobs, healthcare, and housing.
• However, there's growing positivity, especially towards Latin American immigrants viewed mainly as hard-working and family-valued.
• There's broad recognition that immigrants mostly take jobs Americans don't want (65%), and local services/labor taxes aren't significantly impacted (- overestimation of these effects).

III. Policy Divisions and Proposed Solutions

• Public is sharply divided on handling illegal immigrants: 53% believe they should be forced to return, while 40% want legal status.
• Favored policies: creating a government work eligibility database (67%) and national ID card (76%).
• Temporary worker program preferred by Republican conservatives - though also supported by some Democrats.
• 67% oppose social services for illegal immigrants but show bipartisan support for schooling children.

IV. Geographic and Demographic Differences

• Ambivalence varies by location: Phoenix shows strong concern/acceptance, DC views immigration as welcoming, while studies confirm regional variance.
• Education, income, race (especially Hispanic identification) heavily shape perspectives: lower educated groups and Hispanics worry more while whites and Republicans are more negative about specifics like crime.

V. Methodology Notes

• Qualitative distinctions made: differentiating between legal vs. illegal, and calculating concerns based on community experience.
• Experience with immigrants increases their perceived willingness to assimilate (66-87% positive in high-immigration areas).