Polls and Immigration

Like other polls (see earlier posts here and here), Pew finds that Americans tend to favor the Arizona law on illegal immigration. Support is stronger among older Americans, who are more likely to vote in a midterm than younger ones. Pew also notes:

As has been the case since last fall, the public is highly critical of Barack Obama’s handling of immigration policy. Just 25% approve of the way Obama is handling the issue, while more than twice as many (54%) disapprove. That is little changed from last month (29% approve) and down slightly from last November (31%).

Meanwhile, Gallup reports:

Gallup measures public perceptions of the nation's most important problem every month. The 10% citing immigration or illegal immigration in the latest poll, conducted May 3-6, is the highest Gallup has recorded in more than two years. Mentions of immigration last reached double digits in January 2008, and peaked at 19% in April 2006.

So by drawing national attention to the Arizona law, its opponents are raising the profile of the illegal immigration issue, which hurts the Democratic party nationwide.