WGN-TV Chicago: City/Suburban split in views on immigration

[marmar]

In Chicago, more people believe illegal immigrants contribute to society. But in the suburbs, more than half believe they take from society.

In West Chicago, Republican lawmaker Randy Ramey says Illinois should have its own Arizona-type law that lets police check immigration status for deportation. At a time of high unemployment and a staggering state debt, he calls it a jobs bill.

"When you look at the overall picture, if we can say illegal aliens are not going to be having jobs in this state, citizens of Illinois are, that's going to bring back our state to a balanced budget," he says.

The poll also found a majority of city and suburban residents think police should not be seeking illegal immigrants for deportation. In the Collar Counties, though voters are almost evenly split.

Still more than 8 in 10 city and suburban residents think there ought to be a pathway to citizenship. That includes paying fines and taxes, holding a job and speaking English.

Joshua Hoyt is director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

"The people of Illinois and the people of this nation know there is a comprehensive solution that secures our border, makes sure you don't have people working illegally at the workplace and creates a path for legal status for those that are not here to do harm but only to cut our grass or serve our coffee. The people are way far ahead of the politicians on this one," he says.

In Washington, Democrats say the Arizona law may be the impetus to act. But top Republicans want to change the Constitution to prevent birthright from equaling citizenship. The third rail remains politically hot.


http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-immigration-poll-aug8,0,804927.story