Among U.S. Adults, Most Support Legali lization, Increased Border Security Undocumented requirements immigrants currently in the U.S. who meet certain requirements should Legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to
The U.S. general public is also supportive of allowing unauthorized immigrants to remain in the country legally. A Pew Research Center/USA TODAY survey from last June found that 71% of U.S. adults said there should be a way for undocumented immigrants to stay in the country legally, if they meet certain requirements (a different survey question than that asked of Hispanics and Asian Americans). Support for legalization crosses party lines—majorities of Democrats (80%) and Republicans (61%) said they support this measure.
The same survey found that most Americans believe legalization should be tied to improved border security—fully 77% said this. But the public was divided when it came to the timing of this link. Some 43% of U.S. adults said legalization should occur only after the effective control of U.S. borders is achieved, but half (49%) said unauthorized immigrants should be allowed to apply for legal status while border improvements are being made.
Among U.S. Adults, Most Support  | Legali lization, Increased Border  | Security  | Undocumented requirements immigrants currently in the U.S. who  | meet certain requirements should  | Be allowed to stay  | 71  | in the country  | Not be allowed  | 27  | to stay  | Legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to  | apply for legal status  | Also needs to  | include increased  | border security  | Does not  | 20  | public, Source: Pew Research Center/USA TODAY survey ofthe general  | public, June 12-16, 2013, N=1, .112  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 