Illegal Immigrants and Citizenship

Immigration is the top social issue as the 2006 election season begins.  Most Americans oppose making it easier for illegal immigrants to become citizens.  Only Hispanics favor easier citizenship rules.  Republican voters support stricter rules on illegal immigrants, but leadership groups are more divided because of the importance of immigrants to the economy and the voting clout of their legal fellow countrymen.

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo has advocated using the Army to stop illegal border crossings, and expelling all illegal immigrants.  In his home county of Douglas, 52 percent of all voters support his position, as do 62 percent of Republicans.  The issue will be important throughout the West in senate, congressional and gubernatorial races.  Colorado may have a citizen initiative to bar illegal immigrants from use of government services.

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