Comments on: Polls show Americans support path to citizenship

By: Bever, Peoria, AZ formerly CA

Bever, Peoria, AZ formerly CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:52:23 +0000

They just passed the Immigration bill to go on to give ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS the right to this country after breaking the law of entering, working, driving, driving without insurance with many innocent children killed the right to a free ride here. I say not only recall each Senator and Congress I say we need a recall on the entire Congress and we need to start ASAP they could care less about the states here in in West were we take the brunt of the problem. If it is not done then have fun the rest of you states. You are going to be so sorry you have let them do this wait till someone you care about is robbed, rapped or killed by one????????? As they said you made you bed now all of America will have to sleep in it. IMMGRANTS were fine it is and always has been ILLEGALS I have spoken of.

By: Catalina Heiras, Bedford TX

Catalina Heiras, Bedford TX — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:31:59 +0000

I wonder if Mr. Bush is so eager to legalize immigrants because he has many of them working in his ranch.

By: Jason, Seattle WA

Jason, Seattle WA — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:21:27 +0000

How is the Senate's current plan going to solve the immigration problem? Obviously its not going to solve the problem. If we grant citizenship to the illegals we can say goodbye to the U.S.A. as we know it. After the amnesty is granted we will get another 20 million more poor illegals up here and before we know it the hispanics will be 40% of our population. Then the government will try to introduce a new currency on us called the Amero. The North American Union will be formed and you can say goodbye to the dollar bill. And hello to the Amero. Thats right everyone. The Amero! Do a google search on it. The Fed is trying to destroy the dollar and introduce a new currency. NO AMERO!!!!!!!!!!

By: dion Jackson Silver Spring, Maryland

dion Jackson Silver Spring, Maryland — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:30:33 +0000

.............and this is why I stopped watching the news a long time ago. CNN,NBC, ABC and MSNBC all tell the same lies for the same people. I don't know what you guys that work for CNN are smoking but I don't remember getting a phone call asking me what I think about illegal immigrants getting Amnesty.....because my answer to that is that I think they should ship them out of this country because they broke the law to get over here in the first place. If I take a gun and shoot the president, that makes me a criminal right? So I would get thrown in jail not given a prize (or at least I would think people would be upset) We have enough problems in this country without having to deal with a bunch of non-speaking illegal immigrants coming over here stealing jobs, collecting welfare checks (at the taxpayer expense) and not learning to speak english(sometimes I want to slap some of these people when I ask them a question and they can't speak english) I'm sick of this crap so deport all of them!

By: Fabio Escobar, Amherst NY

Fabio Escobar, Amherst NY — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:43:33 +0000

Note the disingenuous headline claiming that the poll "shows" Americans support path to citizenship. The idea that a poll could show anything like this is overstated. News organizations like CNN that uncreatively rely on such claims are ill-educated in the mathematics of polling. They pass off polls as if they were neutral and free of bias, when those who understand this pseudo-discipline know full well how easy it is to skew a poll to one's liking.

By: Jeremy, Harrisonburg VA

Jeremy, Harrisonburg VA — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:18:24 +0000

Hey all you guys who simply can't believe that a majority like the proposed bill on balance: who are you talking to about it? There's a rabid minority that opposes it, considering it amnesty and as someone here put it home invasion (though I wonder what the first people on this land would think about squatters complaining of home invasion), but most people want more border security and a sensible plan for the people already here. Why is that so unbelievable? I wonder what the same people who think we should have a massive war on illegal immigration think about the war on drugs and the war on poverty. How are they working out?

By: Patricia A. Ogino, North Pole, Alaska

Patricia A. Ogino, North Pole, Alaska — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:46:48 +0000

What recent National Polls are you talking about? All I have heard is a lot of complaining about how we are giving amnesty to a bunch of illegal and we should punish them. As much as I disagree, it seems to be the loudest voice and majority of comments I have heard and read lately. The following is my comment for your poll:
I am sorry that people feel the need to punish people just because they want the American Dream. Are we that selfish of a nation? Charge penalties to poor people less fortunate then us? Send them to the back of the line because of our neglect in taking care of this issue sooner? Force them to separate from their families? Throw stones at those that have committed crimes, yet crimes a lot less then what some of us have done and gotten away with? Please……what is your true motive on this issue? If you are angry at the government, well we are the government. Do something about it! Don’t take your anger out on people less fortunate. Heck, you do not seem to mind when they do your dirty work for you!!!

By: Roger, Fishers, IN

Roger, Fishers, IN — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:23:35 +0000

This poll was taken May 4-6, which was well before the actual bill was announced. Let us see a more current poll and let us know who and where the poll included. Also, let's get secure first, before we legalize anyone.

By: Beverly, Peoria, AZ

Beverly, Peoria, AZ — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:17:29 +0000

This is almost unbelievable to hear no way is that so in any state that sits on a border, and starting to drift inland to the rest of the states now since no one wanted to stop it. Welcome to the states that sit on a border and have illegals crossing all day long. Couldn't of been a poll their though I though it was taken in CA I wonder if they asked illegal immigrants only.

By: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago, Illinois

Don Fitzgerald, Chicago, Illinois — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:33:18 +0000

I am greatly disappointed in the responses I read on this blog. All of the responders that do not support this bill are the very people who cheered on those brave souls that climbed the Berlin Wall to escape communism. An that example is one of many justifications that should prompt us to permit desperate people, safe haven. America, The Beautiful, has always stood for a safe haven, until we started to be so materialistic. Now, all we do is worry about " our's ". Did I get " mine "? Jeez, good people, there is more than enough to go around, if only those that control the economic landscape would loosen their grip on the flow of jobs, payrolls and education, to name just a few areas where the grip of the few hase stiffled the growth of the many. Come on, America, The Beautiful, open your arms and welcome these good peoples who risked everything to come to our great nation. Then, let us start to deal with solutions that would reduce the need for these good people to escape from their nations of birth. That is America, the Beautiful. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.

By: Ivory Barnes Jacksonville fl

Ivory Barnes Jacksonville fl — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:26:43 +0000

People who oppose this bill do so, not because of the path to citizenship, but because we no longer believe our leaders when they promise border security. We are simply demanding that congress prove their commitment to fixing the real problem before they considering a path to citizenship or a guest worker program.

Start by passing H.R.698 : To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny citizenship at birth to children born in the United States of parents who are not citizens or permanent resident aliens. This legislation has been in subcommittee for over 2 years.

Denying aid to illegal immigrants is critical. It is not rational to reward people for breaking our laws. These people are not citizens and are NOT entitled to the rights and privileges of a citizen.

Enforce laws that penalize employers who hire illegals.

Send individuals found crossing the borders back when you catch them.

Hold Mexico accountable for fixing the corrupt systems that drives the poverty in that county.

Do these things and then we will listen to a debate about “path to citizenship”

By: Ken W, - Newton - NJ

Ken W, - Newton - NJ — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:46:30 +0000

We're on to you Karl!
Go tell your boss about this poll. He will believe anything you tell him/

By: Dennis Houston, Texas

Dennis Houston, Texas — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:08:10 +0000

Where did you conduct this poll Mexico?

I guess you could have rephrased the question to add.."Do you favor amnesty for illegals WITHOUT improvements in border security?" Which is what this bill would entail.

By: Ferguson, La Fayette, Ga.

Ferguson, La Fayette, Ga. — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 05:20:24 +0000

you did not poll American citizens, you polled illegal immigrants.

By: Ikalean of kalamazoo, MI

Ikalean of kalamazoo, MI — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:10:28 +0000

AMNESTY NOWLet those Europeans pay for living in America all these years. Then have them pay for the slaves they forced to live here and all their ancestors. Europeans become "legal" first then they can have amnesty.

By: Gayle Shultz

Gayle Shultz — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:35:23 +0000

Reading the daily newspaper in Atlanta, GA, plus listening to CNN and Fox News also, give me the impression I can not trust what I hear, what I watch or believe polls such as they are. What is one to do except disconnect from all media and join the uninformed?

By: M.L. Stark

M.L. Stark — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:18:10 +0000

Path to citizenship? For illegal (key word) aliens? Since when do we reward people for criminal activity?

There are few things in life that are truly simple, but invasion of our land is simple – it's a crime! Criminals should be punished, not rewarded!

Why so many pander to those who exploit the illegal aliens to make a buck is beyond any sense of reason or ethics. Shame on them all.

Our country has the ability to literally shut down the U.S./Mexican border, but the do-nothings in D.C. – on both sides of the aisle – choose to not do so. Shame on them all.

By: Randy Quinn, Dallas, Texas

Randy Quinn, Dallas, Texas — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 02:10:49 +0000

Why don't you guys set up here a polling facility, then announce it on the news for the American people to vote. See for yourselves first hand. Please stop the shameful propaganda. We know what you are up to. Thanks.

By: M. Riley, Dillon, Montana

M. Riley, Dillon, Montana — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 01:00:59 +0000

I cannot believe that this poll reflects the attitudes of the people of this region, and I serioiusly doubt that it reflects the opinions of the majority of voting citizens. I know people who are sympathetic to the plight of the "illegals" but I know no one who thinks that illegal entry to the country should entitle anyone to any form of citizenship.

By: Ron Baeza, Los Angeles CA 90027

Ron Baeza, Los Angeles CA 90027 — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:30:49 +0000

The President is trying to ram this bill down the throats of every American who believes in Border Security, the Rule of Law, and taking care of all "Americans" first, be they Born in the U.S.A. Or naturalized.
He wants this for all of his Financial backers, the very ones who benefit from this invasion of the poor from Mexico, the very ones who put him in office. Legal, intelligent, monitored immigration is a good thing. Appeasing the rich, open and unsecured borders, spending millions on people who openly flaunt their disregard for our rules and laws and make demands, calling law-abiding, caring hard working, tax-paying American citizens "racist" is a bad thing.

By: AL GARCIA

AL GARCIA — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:26:51 +0000

"GIVE ME MY LEGAL CITIZENSHIP PAPEL'ES NOW!" I AM TIRED OF BEING AN "ALIEN!"

By: Gail Harrison, Arkansas

Gail Harrison, Arkansas — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:21:27 +0000

Your poll results smell fishy! Maybe they went south of the border to compile it!

I don't even know anyone that is in favor of the immigration plan!

By: Wayne Wells, Columbia South Carolina

Wayne Wells, Columbia South Carolina — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:53:13 +0000

I have come to the belie that one of the prime drivers for the anti-immigration debate is that it distracts folks from the issue of Iraq. If you have a "Good Republican" who you are trying to keep in the fold obviously you have got to get him focused on something that he can get passionate about besides Iraq, since everyone and their brother has turned away from that mistake in judgement. What better subject than illegal immigration. You can wrap yourself in the flag in multiple ways. Homeland Security issues, English as THE language issues, jobs, wages, the whole gamut of causes that John Q. Public takes to heart. Get a couple of jerkwater commentators like Lou Dobbs who cry and cry and cry, with no real solutions and by golly, you've got your voters back. That is the goal, isn't it.

By: Gary, LA, CA

Gary, LA, CA — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:48:17 +0000

most of the 'polls' that i have heard about and all other discussions about illegal immigration make people that are against it feel like racists. The pro illegal immigration organizations have done a great job in painting all those opposed as bigots and kkk. Being pc is why there is a so called approval rating of the immigration bill.

By: Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:46:56 +0000

A path to citizenship is acceptable if it requires a "touchback" to the country of origin, payment of a significant fine for unlawful entry, and going to the back of the line behind lawful applicants. That path should be "triggered" only after border security is meaningfully strengthened.

By: Eric Levoy

Eric Levoy — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:29:18 +0000

I think this poll was conducted on the shores of the Rio Grand.
Not one single American I have spoken with believes this bill is good for America.It is nothing more than one more step twards THE NEW WORLD ORDER.
Since everything in life must fit into common sense somehow there is no other explanation.Our so called leadership has failed to give any credible explaination on any gobalization issue and make no mistake this is about globalization.

By: Bill W, Coatesville, PA

Bill W, Coatesville, PA — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:52:05 +0000

...And every time the president makes the comment that we "cannot just deport all the people here" he is "emboldening the enemy." Why can't we "just deport all the people here?" Isn't that NIS's job?

By: Diane Dugan Elizabeth Pennsylvania

Diane Dugan Elizabeth Pennsylvania — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:29:01 +0000

If I came into your home with no plan on leaving, then ordered YOU to do my bidding and stole your identity the police would call that a home invasion.I may not have even noticed their invasion had they not paraded on May 1, 2005. Hiding in the shadows they're not, making demands they are.

By: Rollo Rogers, San Diego, CA

Rollo Rogers, San Diego, CA — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:25:27 +0000

Boy, do these kind of poll results piss me off no end. The people that publish this kind of crap don't have the guts to tell the public exactly "how many" people were polled.

It would not surprise me if the alleged poll was conducted in the LA
Barrio by asking lots of folks who don't Habla the English, and they are keeping one eye out for La Migra.

This poll is a joke, just like when some of those dumb Pols. in D.C make the comment "Border security".

Thanks for taking my call.

By: daveclay, Milwaukee, WI

daveclay, Milwaukee, WI — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:58:49 +0000

From the NYT on 5/24:

Seventy-five (75%) percent of respondents – including 72% of Democrats, 76% of Independents, and 77% of Republicans – favored higher fines for companies who knowingly hired illegal immigrants

When asked "should illegal immigrants be prosecuted and deported for being in the U.S. illegally," sixty-nine (69%) percent answered in the affirmative, including 64% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, and 73% of Independents.

By: R Stoor, Peoria Arizona

R Stoor, Peoria Arizona — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:39:47 +0000

What a bunch of krap. The people I work with every day that are here on work permits, do not want to become U.S. citizens. They only want to earn money to send home to their families. Politicians WAKE UP what is needed is a process that is more available, and easier to understand (not like the IRS forms).

By: Bill W, Coatesville PA

Bill W, Coatesville PA — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:22:39 +0000

How is it with all these polls that are supposedly conducted on these issues, neither I nor anyone I know has ever been polled?

They are bringing this bill back and keeping the details of the new amendments from the public. Why?
To me, that is frightening and should be illegal. The public has a right to know whatthey are proposing and who exactly is proposing it and voting for or against it. But that's the Bush Administration – they all believe they are above the law and can do whatever they want. As with most of my comments, this comment will probably go away in a few minutes, because it doesn't agree with CNN's own beliefs.

By: Robert , Peoria, Arizona

Robert , Peoria, Arizona — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:19:06 +0000

I talk to and work with foreigners that are here working with visa permits every day, and I have not yet talked to or met anyone that wants to become a U.S. citizen. I think "A path to citizenship" is not what most want, what they want is to work here, and make money for their families that are not living here with them.

What we need is a process that is more available, and less complicated for people of all nations, colors, and cultures to obtain visas, and green cards (for those wanting to live here permanently).

By: Immigrant, Omaha, NE

Immigrant, Omaha, NE — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:11:25 +0000

While I would doubt the results of the Poll – If the bill does pass – the process of Green Card will become more logical then it has been, I believe.

Here is a recently launched web-site which attempts to take a first crack at the Proposed Point System ! Check it out ! http://www.Ready4Greencard.com

By: Maranatha, Riverside CA

Maranatha, Riverside CA — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:06:17 +0000

Much as the bill's detractors would like to pretend otherwise, multiple recent polls (Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg, CBS News, etc.) all reflect the same thing ... even the polls showing disapproval of the bill overall. The majority of Americans still want some kind of path toward citizenship.

By: Phyllis Nefler, Beverly Hills, CA

Phyllis Nefler, Beverly Hills, CA — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:54:33 +0000

This is very poorly written. "Because the immigration issue as a whole deemed considerably more important to those citizens who oppose a path to citizenship, a recent CNN poll shows."

Where are your editors?

By: Lynn O, Tucson, Arizona

Lynn O, Tucson, Arizona — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:50:20 +0000

This is nothing more than more "spin" out of Washington....they can't possibly believe that we, the Citizens of the United States "approve" of this plan...whom are they trying to kid?? They must be conducting the "poll" in Spanish!

By: L Hanson

L Hanson — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:38:59 +0000

Please! Just where you when you conducted your "Poll"?

By: Ya Right

Ya Right — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:21:15 +0000

Very suspicious of these results. Would like to see the exact wording.