Sens. John McCain, Jeff Flake and fellow Gang of Eight members Sens. Chuck Schumer and Michael Bennet will be using some time during the spring congressional recess to tour the Arizona-Mexico border as part of their work to sell their comprehensive immigration reform package.
According to recent polling data, the senators have hit the sweet spot. There is broad public support for an immigration plan that strikes a balance between the country’s economic and security needs.
Sen. McCain, Sen. Flake and their bipartisan coalition are on the right path. They deserve our support.
Here’s the memo on the issue from the Chamber’s pollster who, by the way, is one of the best in the nation.
Methodology
On behalf of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Public Opinion Strategies conducted a statewide survey in Arizona on March 19-21, 2013. The survey was conducted among 500 registered voters and has a margin of error of +4.38%.
Key Findings on Immigration Reform
Voters in Arizona are enthusiastic about a bi-partisan approach to immigration reform.
Survey respondents heard the following description of the Gang of 8 bi-partisan immigration reform plan:
Now I’d like to describe an immigration reform plan and get your reaction. The plan has four main elements:
- Create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already here that is contingent upon securing the border and combating visa overstays
- Improving our legal immigration system and attracting the world’s best and brightest.
- A strong employment verification system that holds employers accountable for knowingly hiring undocumented workers and makes it more difficult to falsify documents to obtain employment
- Admitting new workers only when Americans cannot be found to fill jobs and protect the rights of workers.
Results
Fully 72% of voters support the immigration reform plan as described.
- This includes the support of 74% of Republicans, 75% of Independents and 69% of Democrats.
- The plan knits together a coalition of self-described liberals (76%) and Tea Party identifiers (73%).
Support for the reform plan is high among Anglo (71%) and Hispanic (76%) voters.
