A recent poll released by the Siena Research Institute shows a majority of New Yorkers support using federal properties to house migrants who are currently in the state, 56-36%. The poll also showed an overwhelming amount of migrants are here to build a better life for themselves or their families at 84%.
“Despite concerns that some New Yorkers have about the recent influx of migrants, 84% of all New Yorkers agree that most of the current migrants want only to build a better life for themselves and their family and 69% agree that America should continue to live by the words written on the Statue of Liberty, ‘Give me your tired, your poor…send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me’” said Don Levy, SCRI’s Director.
When asked if immigrants take more resources than they return to the economy, the polling was closer at 48% disagreeing with immigrants taking more resources and 42% agreeing.
“Over 40% of all New Yorkers believe that immigrants take more than they offer society. About a third believe current migrants are dangerous, perhaps even criminal, only want hand-outs and are a source of illegal drugs. But in each of these cases more New Yorkers disagree with, rather than hold, these judgments,” Levy continued.
Levy continued on in the release that there was no doubt on New Yorkers recognizing that the nation was built by immigrants from every nation and assimilating immigrants has made America what it is today. 60% of New Yorkers don’t believe immigrants take away jobs from Americans who have lived here, compared to 36% who believe they do.
“When it comes to migrants and issues associated with immigration, there is a huge partisan divide. A majority of Republicans oppose a comprehensive immigration bill and a huge majority, 77-19%, call for building ‘The Wall.’ Democrats strongly support, and over half of independents want the legislation, and while two-thirds of Democrats oppose building a wall, independents are evenly divided,” Levy said.
The poll was conducted between September 5th and 8th through random telephone calls to 414 New York adults via landlines and cellphones and 386 responses drawn from a proprietary online panel of New Yorkers.
