Silent Majority Backs Immigration Crackdown

Arizona may be under heavy fire for its strident new immigration law, but it appears a slim majority of Americans actually support it—and want more action taken. In the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, 51% said the Arizona law “is about right,” while another 9% said it “doesn't go far enough.” Only 36% said it “goes too far.”

Almost 8 in 10 said the US could do more to secure its borders. But respondents differed greatly in their view of what to do with immigrants already here, with Democrats much more likely to support a path to citizenship. But nearly everyone agreed that the system needs to change, with 45% saying it needs fundamental change, and 44% saying it must be completely rebuilt.