WASHINGTON/McALLEN, Texas, Aug 11 (Reuters) – President Barack Obama’s pledge to fast-track the deportation of migrant children from Central America is out of step with the opinion of a majority of Americans, who say the children should be allowed to stay in the United States, at least for a while.
The results of a Reuters/Ipsos poll highlight the complexity of the child migrant issue for Obama, who has sought to emphasize his compassion while also insisting that his administration plans to send home most of the children, many of whom have fled violence in their homelands.
The poll, conducted on July 31-Aug. 5, found that 51 percent of Americans believe the unaccompanied children being detained at the U.S.-Mexico border should be allowed to remain in the country for some length of time.
That included 38 percent who thought the unaccompanied youngsters should be sheltered and cared for until it was deemed safe for them to return home. Thirteen percent said the children should be allowed to stay in the United States, while 32 percent said the children should be immediately deported.
Very interesting that Americans come down on the side of protecting children. This wish is not for permanent residency but until such time that it is safe for the children to return home. President Obama needs to listen to his constituents and stop being in such an all fired hurry to send children back to God-knows what.
You seem to miss the point that 13 percent think that they should be able to stay permanently, in keeping with current laws. And 70 percent think that either now or later they should be sent back.
How about later rather than wisked out of here and back to danger?
Do you think these kids are making this perilous journey because they want to stay here temporarily – “until it is deemed safe for them to return home”? Or that they have aspirations to stay here permanently?
You are willfully choosing to ignore what this poll really says. However, I’m sure that every politician in America knows how to read the data as well as data in their private polling. The issue’s turning, and it’s going to be a weapon that Republicans in swing states can use in 2014.
Here’s Reuters’ own take on a recent poll – http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/07/us-usa-immigration-worries-idUSKBN0G70BE20140807
Here’s “The Hill”‘s take – http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/214561-poll-most-in-us-say-illegal-immigrants-threaten-life-economy
“Seventy percent said they believe these illegal immigrants threaten U.S. customs and beliefs. Eighty-six percent of Republicans hold that belief.
Nearly two-thirds said illegal immigrants are a burden on the nation’s economy, the poll found.”
86% of Republicans. Are you surprised?
Let’s stick to the refugee children–not immigration in general.
Sounds nativist to me.
“A separate Reuters/Ipsos online poll shows that voters see immigration as the third most important problem facing the nation. Respondents in a Gallup poll in July cited immigration as the No.1 problem, ahead of the economy.
A Republican candidate for New Hampshire state senator, Eddie Edwards, said seven out of 10 voters voice worries about immigration and refugees when he canvasses door to door.”
Funny. I live around immigrants and I am not afraid of them nor would I be afraid to knock on their doors.
Edwards needs toughen up there. What a wuss.
Again, you’re obfuscating the point – refusing to look at it. eddie edwards didn’t say that he was personally afraid of anyone.
He said that when he goes door to door in New England, more often than not the person wants to talk about illegal immigration.
Polls are showing it as the #1 concern of Republican voters. Now, I know that you don’t want to think about that, and would prefer to make a glib remark and leave the subject, and think of this as “Republicans don’t have empathy for kids”. But what it means is that :
– The issue is looking more and more as if it’ll be a major factor in the 2014 elections – driving GOP turnout up in swing races
– There is no chance of the Democrat concept of “comprehensive reform” occurring in the next two years – Boehner and other GOP elites want it, but they are now completely hamstrung.
–
I don’t know – that NH Senate race is very interesting. I think immigration is going to be an issue for the Democrats. And it’s not just Hispanic immigration issues….
@Rick Bentley
If illegal immigration is the top concern of Republicans then they really need to re-examine their priorities. That is simply a rallying cry of some sorts.
I will repeat, the kids on the border issue really isn’t an immigration issue, its a humanitarian issue. These kids are refugees.
children are to be treated with compassion. Period. End of story.
No one has really explained why the situation in Latin America has suddenly become a humanitarian crisis. High murder rates and gangs have been a fact of life there for many years.
Did you read ‘5 myths about immigration’ in Sunday’s Washington Post? The claim was made that the massive increase in kids crossing the border was due to the coyotes’ sales job stating that the kids will get to stay in the US. Only the wealthier people get to make the trip to the US due to the high cost ($7K) of paying the coyotes. The vast majority that wants to get away from the violence are restricted by cost to move to locations not too distant from their present homes (i.e different cities).
I think these kids should be allowed to stay too
Check this out – most Americans don;t think the kids should be allowed into school. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/august_2014/should_local_schools_admit_the_latest_illegal_immigrants