Jan 5, 2018 - Politics & Policy

America First poll finds widespread support for some tougher immigration laws

Stef W. Kight

More than 70% of voters support tougher penalties for undocumented immigrants who have been previously deported or have committed crimes in the U.S. as well as giving law enforcement officials more power to detain undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, according to a poll by America First, a non-profit formed by Trump campaign aids to support the president's agenda, provided to Axios.

Why it matters: Democratic lawmakers are currently pushing for legislation to protect DREAMers. In exchange, Republicans and President Trump are insisting that other immigration reforms are included, specifically a wall along the southern border and the end of the lottery visa system.

Other highlights:

The visa lottery: 46% of Democrats oppose eliminating the lottery system, while 57% of Republicans support the proposal.
Employer verification: More than three fourths of voters support requirements that employers verify the legal status of their employees, including 66% of Democrats.
76% would support requirements that immigrants should be able to support themselves financially, including 66% of Democrats.
For asylum seekers, 65%ofvoterssupporta "morestringent" applicationprocess.

The poll: America First Policies interviewed around 1,200 likely voters — 31% Republican, 35% Democrat, 26% independent — via online and phone. Margin of error is 2.83%

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America First poll finds widespread support for some tougher immigration laws

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