When it comes to the subject of undocumented immigration, few states – border and otherwise – have been swept to the forefront of prominence more than Texas. Seemingly every day, new disputes arise as existing controversies continue to percolate.
State leaders and county authorities have drawn their respective lines in the sand. Loud and powerful voices have been heard.
How do Texans from all walks of life feel?
An annual poll of 1,000 Lone Star State residents conducted by Texas Lyceum showed strong opinions over the controversial subject of immigration. The results revealed stark differences, some softening, and a few surprises.
Twenty-seven percent of Texans believe that immigration or border security is the state’s most important problems. The issue ranked higher than concerns over the economy, political corruption and health care.
Specific numbers revealed:
- Seventy-two percent of Texans were extremely or somewhat concerned about illegal immigration
- Sixty-two percent of adults said immigration helps the U.S. more than it hurts (an increase from 54 percent the previous year)
- Sixty-one percent opposed President Donald Trump’s goal to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border
- Sixty-two percent do not want Trump to deport the millions of undocumented immigrants currently residing in Texas and throughout the country
While 90 percent of Texas adults strongly or somewhat support allowing immigrants to become citizens, they want certain steps to be taken before that happens. Those include a long waiting period, tax and penalty payments, passage of criminal background checks, and learning English.
On the controversial subject of sanctuary policies, a significant divide exists between racial and party lines. Forty-nine percent opposed them while 45 percent were in support. Breakdowns showed 62 percent of whites disagreed with sanctuary policies while 56 percent of Hispanics supported them. Eighty-six percent of Republicans were in opposition while 69 percent of Democrats were in support.