Arizonans back law but support worker amnesty, too

While most Arizonans support Senate Bill 1070, even more support allowing working illegal immigrants with no criminal records to remain here, an Arizona Republic poll shows.

Sixty-two percent of those polled by WestGroup Research support such an option, often derided as amnesty by its opponents. By comparison, 31 percent of respondents feel illegal immigrants should be required to return to their native country.

The results are similar to findings from a 2005 Republic poll on the subject.

In contrast, 55 percent support SB1070, which is set to take effect Thursday, while 36 percent oppose the law.

The findings may reflect a desire for a multifaceted solution to what many see as the nation's dysfunctional immigration system.

Kent Shopwell, a 71-year-old retiree, supports SB1070 and allowing some illegal immigrants already here to stay, though he is conflicted about it.

"It's taking jobs from us, but there's a lot of jobs people here don't want to do," the Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Republican said.

Veteran Arizona pollster Bruce Merrill said the results are similar to previous polling on the subject.

About two-thirds of Arizonans consistently support tougher border security policies, he said.

"But when you ask what we should do about the people that are here illegally, the irony is that I've consistently found that 60 to 65 percent of the people of Arizona support what (Republican Sen. John) McCain was advocating, sort of an earned citizenship program."

In 2006 and 2007, McCain co-sponsored a comprehensive immigration-reform bill that, among other things, would have created a path to citizenship for those already in the country illegally. Those bills, supported by then-President George W. Bush, failed. During his 2008 presidential campaign and since, McCain has emphasized the need for border security.

The Republic polled Arizonans about other border-control issues as well. Among the findings:

 There is now public support for a fence or wall along the border, unlike five years ago. In 2005, 52 percent opposed it and 32 percent supported it. Today, 49 percent support the measure and 32 percent oppose it.

 "Substantially increasing" the presence of the U.S. Border Patrol remains a popular idea, with 72 percent supportive and 14 percent opposed. Five years ago, 76 percent supported it and 11 percent were opposed.

 Most Arizonans favor using military personnel along the border, an increase from 2005.