Tuesday saw the release of an annual poll, which revealed the feelings of Texas people about immigration. The non-partisan, non-profit group, the Texas Lyceum, conducts the poll and releases its results every year. This is the first time it has covered the issue of immigration.
According to the poll results, Texans think that immigration is the most important issue facing not just their state but also the US as a whole, yet 62 percent believe it is helpful to the US rather than harmful. The views on immigration were generally more positive among younger respondents. 61 percent of Texas is also opposed to President Donald Trump’s plan to construct a wall on the border between Mexico and the US to try to prevent illegal immigration. Also, 62 percent is against the deportation of the millions of undocumented immigrants already living in the US.
Between 3-9 April, the poll surveyed as many as 1000 people in Texas. It also questioned respondents about their attitude toward ‘sanctuary city’ policies, where undocumented immigrants are not automatically reported to immigration officials by local police and other authorities. 49 percent were opposed to such policies, while 45 percent supported them.
Over 90 percent of respondents also think that local police should be able to check the immigration status of people arrested for a crime. The House of Representatives is currently considering a new bill to limit such checks until after an arrest is made.