A new survey released today by Latino Decisions, and commissioned by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) shows Latino registered voters in the state of Arizona are strongly opposed to new immigration law, 1070, which was signed into law on April 23. Overall, 81% of Latinos are opposed to 1070 and 16% in favor. When asked if they thought police would also stop legal immigrants or U.S. born Latinos, 85% of Latino voters said yes, and 72% said they thought police would primarily target people who are Hispanic when deciding who to question.
What’s more, the survey finds opposition and concerns remains strong across immigrant generation. Contrary to some claims that only Latino immigrants would be concerned over the new Arizona law, the data clearly show that second, third and fourth generation U.S. born Latinos firmly oppose the law. Among foreign-born voters, 90% oppose the law, while 82% oppose in the second generation (who have foreign-born parents), 79% oppose in the third generation (who have foreign-born grandparents), and 67% oppose into the fourth generation. When asked about concerns over profiling, the results are even more consistent across generation: 85% of immigrant voters are worried about racial profiling, and 89% are concerned in the second generation, 81% in the third generation, and 80% in the fourth generation. The data clearly show that Latinos as a group are very concerned about the new Arizona immigration law, and even those beyond an immediate connection to immigration have strong concerns.
Against the backdrop of 1070 in Arizona, the survey also found that immigration was now mentioned as the top issue among Latino registered voters in the state of Arizona. In March, a Latino Decisions survey found nationally, 16% of Latino voters cited immigration as the top issue, behind health care and the economy. In May 2010, 59% of Latino voters in Arizona said immigration was a top concern, now well ahead of the economy, health care, and education. As the fallout over 1070 continues, and spreads to other states, it is likely that Latino voters nationally are now mentioning immigration reform as the top issue heading into the November elections.
About the Poll
The Arizona Poll was a survey of registered voters who are self-identified as Latino or Hispanic and resident in the state. The poll was commissioned by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and conducted in conjunction with political scientists Rudy Espino at Arizona State University, Stephen Nuno at Northern Arizona University, and Sylvia Manzano at Texas A&M University. The sample size of 402 carries a margin-of-error of ±4.9% and was conducted between April 30 and May 5, 2010, and was approximately 17 minutes in length. The sample was drawn randomly from the most recent publicly available list of registered voters in the State of Arizona, screened for Hispanic surnames using the Census Bureau list, and merged with third party data to secure telephone numbers. Voter registration status and Hispanic identification were verified upon contact with respondents, who confirm if they are registered to vote in Arizona and of Hispanic/Latino descent.
Surveying is conducted by fully bilingual interviewers, in English and Spanish at the discretion of the respondent. Respondents are greeted in both languages. The survey instrument is created by Barreto and Segura, in consultation with other political scientists, and translated into Spanish. The survey is administered under the direction of Pacific Market Research, in Renton, WA, and performed using a Computer-Assisted-Telephone-Interviewing (CATI) protocols. CATI programming is performed by Pacific Market Research.
For more information, email Barreto or Segura or call 877‐271‐2300.
I hope that every American, regardless of where he lives, will stop and examine his conscience about this and other related incidents. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened. All of us ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated, but this is not the case.
I know the proponents of this law say that the majority approves of this law, but the majority is not always right. Would women or non-whites have the vote if we listen to the majority of the day, would the non-whites have equal rights (and equal access to churches, restaurants, hotels, retail stores, schools, colleges and yes water fountains) if we listen to the majority of the day? We all know the answer, a resounding, NO!
Today we are committed to a worldwide struggle to promote and protect the rights of all who wish to be free. In a time of domestic crisis men of good will and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics and do what is right, not what is just popular with the majority. Some men comprehend discrimination by never have experiencing it in their lives, but the majority will only understand after it happens to them.
I’m a white guy who lives in TX with many latino coworkers. Let me tell you something – I’m incensed by the law. I find it unbelievable…and worse yet – I find it ABSOLUTELY hypocritical to what Republican’s claim their values to be. This almost guarantees that it will be intrusive to latinos. The governor herself has no idea how to explain what an illegal looks like. If it comes down to a person with a tan and an accent – that’s just not acceptable. Police are against it because it makes their jobs tougher and I’m against it because I think its discriminatory and wrong.
Bottom line – not every white person is a “tea party” supporter….certainly not this one. I hope that we see a federal law pass but in the meantime – I am supporting the boycott of AZ.
READ THE DAMN LAW!! Arizona officers will NOT stop latinos solely because they might look “illegal”. Reasonable suspicion is NECESSARY for any legal stop by ANY police officer! For example, if a motorist CANNOT produce a driver’s license, there are 2 LIKELY REASONS: a) Suspended license OR b) Never issued a license. NOW the officer ARRESTS the motorist for the misdemeanor. NOW the officer can investigate further for residency status. Critics will charge racial profiling. That charge, if valid, can be EASILY proven in an internal affairs investigation. For the ignorant ones out there, California ALREADY has this law…834(b)(1)PC…but damn view departments enforce it because their chiefs are political cowards.
Mexicans on their Native American side are part of the first Peoples of America. The Aztecs are part of the Uto-Aztecan Language group originating in North America, the Europeans have always felt it necessary to ignore and when possible eradicate the natives this is more of the genocidal tendencies. Most Arizona whites are first generations, having arrived after the Second World War but their territorial rights, in their racist minds, give them complete ownership of this beautiful state, one that the peoples of America have called home for over 12,000 years. Why don’t they go home to England or Germany or wherever their place of origin is, we’re from here!
THIS IS NOT TRUE, READ the forms!!! WE LEGAL CITIZENS and the Legal residents will tell you we DON”T CARE ABOUT THIS STUPID THING!!! who cares about “immigration reform”????????? WE DON”T , we care about AMERICA!!!!!!!!! and if they came here ILLEGALLY, well then, they committed a CRIME!!! and its’ NOT fair for the immigrants that WAITED in LINE for their documents!!!!!!!!!!! I”m PROUD OF ARIZONA! “WE ARE ALL ARIZONA” YES we are!! AGAINST ILLEGALS!!!!!!!
As a white guy who is more worried about the direction or our country toward socialism and bankruptcy than I am about the color of your skin, I would probably be more sympathetic with this misreading of the Arizona law, if more Mexican Americans were more understanding of how the US became the magnet for immigration that it is today. In overwhelmingly voting for Democrats, Mexican Americans are saying they want to change the USA to look more like Mexico. If that is the case, why are you here. You know the answer, your system does not work.
Come to our country legally, assimilate, learn the language and reap the benefits. Hard working, honest illegals, let’s get work visas and, over time, gain citizenship. All I ask is that you respect our Constitution and educate yourself so that you are not just pawns of the liberals that are destroying our country.
“All Men are created equal”! The founders had it right, when attempting to form a perfect union and they also knew that they were not there yet but knew we one day would get there. Lincoln moved us forward as did JFK and LBJ. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.
It is my contention that this AZ law is not constitutional and will fail when challenged (unless they add more amendments), pretty funny for this so called perfect law. Why hitch your wagon to this dead white elephant? I do not understand.
Benito,
Since the Arizona law mirrors the Federal law, I don’t believe it is unconstitutional. It certainly is not racist. The fact that the majority of people that will be affected by the law are of Mexican origin, only reflects the reality that most of those that chose to break our laws and come to the USA illegally are Mexican. Come here legally, you are welcome.
We have, as I see it, three problems caused by our porous borders. 1. The strain on our health & welfare resources. 2. The criminal element that comes along with the hard working Mexicans. 3. The unknown number of Islamic terrorists that take the same route into our country.
We want to keep the USA a beacon of hope for all peoples. We can only do this if we secure our economy and enforce the laws of the land.
It is my contention that this AZ law is not constitutional and will fail when challenged (unless they keep adding more amendments), pretty funny for a perfect law, now why hitch your wagon to this dead white elephant? I do not understand. “See You In Court”.
I am not surprised by Arizona’s attempt at passing laws that are clearly unethical and an outright abuse of authority.
Racism is unfortunately alive and well in Arizona. It has prevented many individuals from receiving due process.
I have witnessed caucasian elitists taking care of their own as indian casinos are allowed to practice “legalized open discrimination” disguised as tribal compacts.
Where do we draw the line?
Really? I suspose Latinos are not racist? Then why are your fellow latinos in Tuscon teaching subjects called “THE RACE”. Moron.
Did they read the Bill?
HELL NO!! That is why they are crying about….10 pages of law overwhelms their capabilities!
Dear Hispanics friends that are unhappy about this Arizona law. First, read the law, then understand it, finally make an educated comment. If you are in the US legal – welcome. If you are here illegal, please make sure that you are legalized, or leave. There is not other way. I know Hispanics personally and they are mostly wonderful, hard working, moral and ethical people. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WITH YOUR OPPOSITION TO THIS ARIZONA LAW, YOU BECAME A PART OF POLITICAL POWER STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE FAR LEFT PROGRESSIVE, SOCIALISTS DEMOCRATS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT WANT LAW OBEYING PEOPLE HERE AND SECURED AMERICA. YOU MY FRIENDS ARE SIMPLY USED FOR POLITICAL PURPOSE ONLY. YOUR LIFE WILL NOT CHANGE FOR BETTER IF YOU OPPOSE THIS LAW. Also, this law is not only affecting illegal Hispanics, its is also directed against illegal Germans, Irish, Polish and people of any other nationality that are in the US without proper documentation. For your information, every other country in the world requires their citizens and legal residences to carry with them identification papers that they have to provide them when in contact with police. Look at the laws in Mexico. Will American citizen illegally residing in Mexico get the same consideration as illegal Mexican living in the US? Be honest with your answer.
My parents had to go through Ellis Island and had to go to night school to learn English before recieving thier permanent citizenship papers. Why are not these Mexicans being asked to do the same. Why are there 11,000,000 Mexicans living in Arizona. Don’t they have a policeforce or is it that this policeforces in loaded
with hispanic’s. We don’t need any more farm workers, let them pick grapes in thier own country
Oh that’s rich! A poll conducted by the NCLR racist organization! Be aware! Americans are coming to take their country back. Go back to your own country and fix it instead of freeloading off us!
* The Arizona law simply enforces existing federal laws. Now Arizona police can actually enforce laws that are already on the books. Obviously the reason for this is because the federal government is not enforcing the law effectively in Arizona. The new Arizona law simply states that violating federal immigration law is now a state crime as well. Because illegal immigrants are by definition in violation of federal immigration laws, they can now be arrested by local law enforcement in Arizona. No new actions. No new powers. No new nothing. Simply enforcing federal law, and absolutely nothing else.
* The law only allows police to ask about immigration status in the normal course of “lawful contact” with a person, such as a traffic stop or if they have committed a crime. Before asking a person about immigration status, law enforcement officials are required by the law to have “reasonable suspicion” that a person is an illegal immigrant. The concept of “reasonable suspicion” is well established by court rulings. Since Arizona does not issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, having a valid license creates a presumption of legal status. The same thing happens to me when I get pulled over, they ask to see my drivers license or identification card. This is not a new, radical concept or law. Police have been asking people for identification for many years.
I just find it amazing that people are getting all worked up about this. Federal law already exists, but the Federal government does not enforce it. Arizona has a huge immigration problem. They finally decide to pass a law that allows state officers to enforce the federal laws. It is the federal government’s irresponsibility that has finally caused Arizona to take charge and protect its citizens.
AZ. can not inforce their laws , No money its just to get vote . call there bluf that would kill their carrers. if 3,000 illeagals walked down the street singing arest us the Gov. would P## her pantys , and old Joe would hide under his desk
I Think whoever supports this law is a racist Bi___! I was raised in the US. I’ve been here since I was 1yrs old now I’m only 14yrs old but ICE wants to deport me 1070 is making everything worse. Latinos are hard working. If anyone is gonna get deported then it should only be the ones who have a CRIMINAL record like murder or something big. The gov should look at how many families they will destroy. The US will SUFFER without latinos.
I hope ICE does DEPORT you and your Criminal Parents who brought you here illegally. Quit stealing money from U.S. taxpayers and go fix the Country where you are from if you don’t like it.
the latinos that oppose the law.. is that the drug smugglers?, the human smugglers? the gun runners? Gang members? OR the regular immigrants?
The following was a letter to the editor of the LA Times.
Hector,
I can’t believe that a major metropolitan paper like the LA Times would publish drivel like your distortion-laden column I had the misfortune to read today. The citizens of Arizona passed a law that makes it necessary to prove you are in their state LEGALLY. They are tired of paying TWO BILLION taxpayer dollars a year in medical and educational benefits to people in their state ILLEGALLY. They are tired of the Mexican drug traffickers, kidnappings (389 last year), traffic accidents, and crime caused by ILLEGAL immigrants in their state. They are tired of citizens of a foreign country overcrowding and bankrupting their emergency rooms and schools. They have the ABSOLUTE RIGHT to defend their state when the federal government fails to do so so just like I have the right to put three hollow-points in the chest of the guy who’s trying to kick in my front door when the cops don’t show up.
It has been the law in this country since 1940 that foreign nationals be able to produce proof that they are here LEGALLY by way of visa, green card, etc. This “Produce your papers” and the allusions to Nazi Germany is a bunch of dishonest claptrap. If you took time to read the Arizona law (assuming you can read English) you would see that police officers may only inquire as to an individual’s immigration status in the course of a “legal contact”. The problem with you and Mexicans like you is the fact that you have this sense of entitlement that you can enter OUR COUNTRY as you please. You come from a culture and a country with no respect for the law or the rule of law. The United States is a sovereign nation with the ABSOLUTE RIGHT to decide who does and does not enter our country.
What amuses me the most is the fact that if our illegal immigration problem was due to the influx of SWEDES, you wouldn’t have written ONE WORD in the defense of their rights? It is only because they are Hispanics like you that you leap to their defense. I find it ironic that you are truer to your Hispanic roots than you are to your American citizenship, especially since the Hispanic culture is a broke-dick, busted-ass, ignorant-ass, uneducated, going-nowhere culture and has been for the last 500 years, and in all likelihood, will be for the NEXT 500 years.
When I moved to California in 1969, Los Angeles was a clean prosperous city. Now it’s broke under the weight of massive entitlements. Now we need concertina wire to protect our freeway signs from Hispano-moron graffiti “artists’. What an enlightened culture you come from that believes that vandalizing another’s property is an art form. Over 400 California families have lost loved ones to ILLEGAL immigrant murderers. 40% of the criminals incarcerated in our prisons at CALIFORNIA TAXPAYER EXPENSE, are ILLEGAL immigrants. Thank you so much for our overcrowded ERs, schools and freeways. Thanks also for the gangs and the drive-by shootings. In all fairness though, I like the tacos.
If I want to enter Mexico, France, England, Germany or ANY country on this earth, I need to produce a passport to do so. It’s THEIR COUNTRY and I need to ask permission to do so. HOW DARE you and your brethren think that they have some God-given right to flout our laws and come into our country of their own accord? You and people like you are the textbook example of why the fewer Mexicans we have in our country, the better our country will be. We manage to produce a steady supply of home-grown idiots on our own, thank very much (Exhibit A – Obama) good luck with your boycotts and our protests. Just remember amigo, 70% of the people in Arizona and 65% of Americans LOVE this law. Every time you put together thousands of protesters, you piss off MILLIONS of people like me.
Hasta la vista, baby
I agree with this article. It’s too bad LA is so corrupted by the illegal population. We don’t want Arizona to end up the same way.
I am an American tax payer with roots going back to the American Revolutionary War. My husband’s roots go back to Madrid, Spain, Germany and Belgium, and we both believe the SB 1070 law is needed to discourage those who feel they have the right to enter this country illegally. There is nothing wrong with asking for ID or citizenship status if stopped by an officer of the law. Those who oppose the law, either are here illegally or have family that is here illegally.