National

Americans Worry That Illegal Migrants Threaten Way of Life, Economy

Published

10 years ago

August 7, 2014

In this Saturday, July 12, 2014 file photo, immigrants run to jump on a train during their journey toward the U.S.-Mexico border, in Ixtepec, Mexico. Many of the immigrants recently flooding the nations southern border say theyre fleeing violent gangs in Central America. These gangs were a byproduct of U.S. immigration and Cold War policies, specifically growing from the increase in deportations in the 1990s. With weak dysfunctional governments at home, U.S. street gang culture easily took hold and flourished in these countries. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

In this Saturday, July 12, 2014 file photo, immigrants run to jump on a train during their journey toward the U.S.-Mexico border, in Ixtepec, Mexico. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

KINGSTON, New Hampshire (Reuters) – As President Barack Obama considers sidestepping Congress to loosen U.S. immigration policy, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Americans are deeply worried that illegal immigration is threatening the nation’s culture and economy.

Seventy percent of Americans – including 86 percent of Republicans – believe undocumented immigrants threaten traditional U.S. beliefs and customs, according to the poll.

The findings suggest immigration could join Obamacare – the healthcare insurance overhaul – and the economy as hot button issues that encourage more Republicans to vote in November’s congressional election.

With Congress failing to agree on broad immigration reforms, Obama could act alone in the next few weeks to give work permits to up to 5 million undocumented immigrants and delay some deportations, according to media reports.

Post Views: 232