A poll conducted recently by CNN/ORC International has found that that there is a generational split between those Americans who are in favor of the immigration reform bill that is currently being debated in the US Senate, and those who are not. CNN says that the poll shows that over six in ten of those surveyed are less concerned about a path to citizenship being offered to undocumented immigrants and more about border security.
The survey results showed that while 52% of those aged between18-34 are in favor of offering a pathway to US citizenship and believe it should be the main goal of the new immigration legislation, just 25% of those aged 65 and over are in agreement with this. Around 47% of the younger generation favors an increase in border security being the primary focus, versus 73% of the older generation.
“Support comes mostly from Democrats – six in ten favor the bill – with independents and Republicans split right down the middle,” says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. “There is also a generation gap on this issue, with senior citizens opposed to the bill by a 17-point margin, while younger Americans tend to favor it.”
There was little difference between the sexes, with 35% of men versus 37% of women supporting the pathway to citizenship. Likewise, men and women supported an increase in border security at 63% and 62% respectively. The poll was conducted via telephone nationwide between June 11th and June 13th.