Americans' stance on immigration softening?
Updated: January 24, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- Could a new poll pave the way for more immigration rights? Many advocates hope so. The poll found a majority of Americans support a path to citizenship for those already living here. WCIA-3's Brittany Harris finds out what it involves.
A lot of advocates are happy with the new poll. They hope it grabs the attention of Congress, showing them everyone deserves to live here.
"Most of the people here, are here because the dream can come true. They can work, they want a better life for their children and that's all they want."
It's a dream Claudia Fabian is familiar with. She had the very same one 25-years ago when she moved here from Argentina. The immigrant went on to become a U.S. citizen. It's something many want, but aren't always able to get.
"We have about 12 million people here who are working, taking their children to school, living in our communities. And, they're afraid for their safety, for the safety of their children. So, we need comprehensive immigration reform."
It's an issue which divided the country, until now. A new poll shows Americans are changing their tune. About 60% now support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. That's much higher than two years ago, when only 50% showed support.
"I'm very excited. This is fantastic that people are supporting this."
"Let's hope the people's voice helps some of these policies move forward."
Hinda Seif is a professor at UIS. She specializes in immigration studies. She says there really isn't a pathway to citizenship right now. In fact, there hasn't been one since the 1980's. But, advocates, like Fabian, hope to change that.
"We are who we are because we are a country of immigrants. So, we're almost there, just hang in there. We're very hopeful President Obama will take us all the way to the finish line."
Seif says she isn't sure what's causing the shift in views. She says it's hard to tell since the numbers are so new, but thinks it might have to do with Congress working in a bi-partisan way.
Some say the increased support comes at a time when republicans are changing their views. 53% now support a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. That's up 22% from 2010. 72% of democrats and 55% of independents also like the idea.
A lot of advocates are happy with the new poll. They hope it grabs the attention of Congress, showing them everyone deserves to live here.
"Most of the people here, are here because the dream can come true. They can work, they want a better life for their children and that's all they want."
It's a dream Claudia Fabian is familiar with. She had the very same one 25-years ago when she moved here from Argentina. The immigrant went on to become a U.S. citizen. It's something many want, but aren't always able to get.
"We have about 12 million people here who are working, taking their children to school, living in our communities. And, they're afraid for their safety, for the safety of their children. So, we need comprehensive immigration reform."
It's an issue which divided the country, until now. A new poll shows Americans are changing their tune. About 60% now support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. That's much higher than two years ago, when only 50% showed support.
"I'm very excited. This is fantastic that people are supporting this."
"Let's hope the people's voice helps some of these policies move forward."
Hinda Seif is a professor at UIS. She specializes in immigration studies. She says there really isn't a pathway to citizenship right now. In fact, there hasn't been one since the 1980's. But, advocates, like Fabian, hope to change that.
"We are who we are because we are a country of immigrants. So, we're almost there, just hang in there. We're very hopeful President Obama will take us all the way to the finish line."
Seif says she isn't sure what's causing the shift in views. She says it's hard to tell since the numbers are so new, but thinks it might have to do with Congress working in a bi-partisan way.
Some say the increased support comes at a time when republicans are changing their views. 53% now support a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. That's up 22% from 2010. 72% of democrats and 55% of independents also like the idea.
