CA: Poll on Arizona Immigration Law

Even in California, supporters of the Arizona immigration law outnumber opponents among registered voters. The Los Angeles Times reports:

Overall, 50% of registered voters surveyed said they support the law, which compels police to check the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally, while 43% oppose it. That level of support is lower than polls have indicated nationwide.

But attitudes among the state's voters are not uniform. Strong majorities of white voters and those over 50 support the Arizona law, while Latinos and those under 30 are heavily opposed.

Click here for the full results. The numbers do not changewhen respondents hear arguments on both sides:

Q.51 This law requires police who stop a person to question that person's immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" that he or she is in the United States illegally and gives police the power to question anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. It requires people to produce documents verifying their status if asked, and allows officers to detain anyone who cannot do so. Do you favor or oppose this new law?

Total

Strongly favor.......................................................................41

Not so strongly favor.............................................................8

Not so strongly oppose..........................................................7

Strongly oppose...................................................................36

(Don't know)...........................................................................6

(Refused).................................................................................1

Total favor............................................................................50

Total oppose.........................................................................43

Favor - Oppose......................................................................7

Q.52 Now let me read you some statements that supporters and opponents of the law may make.

Opponents of this law say that we need to do something to address immigration, but this law goes too far and is not consistent with our American values. This law could legitimize racial profiling and encourage some police officers to stop people they suspect of being here illegally just by looking at them - even if they have no evidence whatsoever.

Supporters of the law say that with as many as 15 million illegal immigrants in this country, we need to address immigration now. This law allows police officers to crack down on those violating the law, will reduce the number of illegal immigrants here, deter people from crossing the border illegally, reduce crime, and stop the flow of drugs into our country.

After hearing those two statements, do you favor or oppose this law?

Total

Strongly favor.......................................................................42

Not so strongly favor.............................................................8

Not so strongly oppose.........................................................8

Strongly oppose....................................................................35

(Don't know)..........................................................................5

(Refused)................................................................................1

Total favor............................................................................50

Total oppose.........................................................................43

Favor - Oppose......................................................................7