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Immigration
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Records of the Office of the Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
James Cicconi's Subject Files
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A19
THE NEW YORK TIMES, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983
P
O'Neill, in a Reversal, Supports Immigration Bill
By MARTIN TOLCHIN
The Speaker intends to bring the bill,
bill would exacerbate discrimination
Special to The New York Times
which passed the Senate in May, to the
against Hispanic people by encourag-
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 - Thomas
House floor shortly after Congress
ing employers to hire others instead 80
P. O'Neill Jr., Speaker of the House,
reconvenes Jan. 23, said the aides, S.
as to avoid possible criminal sanction.
has reversed himself and now supports
Ariel Welss, the top legislative aide,
a sweeping revision of immigration
and Christopher Matthews, adminis-
Under the bill, all residents would
laws, his top aides said Tuesday.
trative assistance. They said the
have to be able to produce identifica-
In the Congressional session recently
Speaker expected the bill to be ap-
tion showing that they were citizens or,
ended, Mr. O'Neill kept the bill off the
proved and signed into law.
in the case of aliens, that they had valid
House floor, saying be feared President
residence permits. The bill would also
Reagan would veto it for political rea-
Illegal Aliens Targeted
grant legal status to the millions of ille-
sons. The Administration denied plan-
The legislation, intended to curb ille-
gal aliens already in the United States,
ning a veto.
gal immigration into the United States,
broaden the temporary hiring of for-
The Speaker's reversal was said to
would penalize employers who hired
eign workers and streamline proce-
be a result of assurances that the Presi-
illegal aliens. That is the principal ob-
dures for handling asylum and deporta-
dent would sign a compromise being
jection of the Hispanic Congressional
tion.
sought by supporters of the bill.
caucus, whose members contend the
Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyo-
ming, the Republican author of the Sen-
gressional Democrats have been assid-
turns, we'll move with this bill on the
ate bill, said Mr. O'Neill changed his
uously wooing the growing Hispanic
House floor," the Speaker added, ac-
mind when the two of them met Oct. 25,
vote, which they believe could prove
cording to Mr. Simpson.
three weeks after Mr. O'Neill surprised
crucial in certain contests.
Mr. Weiss said Mr. O'Neill's "princi-
many Congressional observers by pre-
Mr. Simpson said that in his meeting
pal concern was the political one, and
venting the bill from reaching the
with the Speaker Mr. O'Neill "related
he's satisfied that the political risks
House floor.
that he'd had these situations with the
have been diminished."
Political Considerations
President where he'd been burned."
"No bill will be sent to the President
The Speaker previously said that he
Mr. Simpson said he had assured the
Speaker he would obtain the Presi-
except with the guarantee that he'll
could find "no constituency" for the
sign it, Mr. Weiss added.
bill and that be suspected the measure
dent's approval before the House took
Meanwhile, members of the His-
was a political trap being set by the
final action on the bill.
panic caucus have been meeting with
Reagan Administration. He said he had
As the meeting ended, the Speaker
supporters of the bill to work out a com-
been told the President would veto any
swore the Senator to confidence, Mr.
promise. Mr. Weiss said, "The Speaker
immigration bill approved by Con-
Simpson said, and told him that "when
hopes that they can work, something
gress, to win Hispanic support in the
this session ends, I'm going to advise
out."
1984 election.
the Hispanic caucus to make their
The bill is pending before the House
The Speaker had also said he would
peace with Ron Mazzoli," the Ken-
Rules committee, which is controlled
not support any immigration bill that
tucky Democrat who is the sponsor of
by the Speaker and determines if and
was not supported by the Hispanic cau-
the House measure. "If they can't get
when proposed legislation will reach
cus. Both the Administration and Con-
this done by Jan. 23, when Congress re-
the House floor.
FAIR
FEDERATION for AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM
2028 P Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036 (202) 785-3474
August 2, 1983
Mr. Jim Cicconi
1st Floor, West Wing
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Jim:
Enclosed are three copies of the Executive Summary and Questionnaire
of the poll which is what we are releasing to the press today at 10:00 A.M.
I will send you a full report on the poll as soon as it's available,
plus more detailed information that should allow you to perform the analyses
you need.
Review Best regards,
K.C. McAlpin
Legislative Staff
KCM/uu
Enclosures
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: JOHN TANTON, Chairman; SHARON BARNES, OTIS GRAHAM, WILLIAM PADDOCK, SIDNEY SWENSRUD;
ROGER CONNER, Executive Director
FAIR
The Federation for American Immigration Reform
PRESS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE
Thursday, July 28, 1983
2028 P St, NW
RELEASE:
Washington, DC 20036
CONTACT:
Roger Conner, (202) 785-3474
(202) 785-3474
Dan Stein,
(202) 785-3474
BLACK AND HISPANIC AMERICANS: WHAT DO THEY
REALLY THINK ABOUT IMMIGRATION ISSUES?
The First Comprehensive National Poll
Has The Answers
ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1983, AT 10 :00 A.M., E.D.T., IN ROOM 428-A, RUSSELL
SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, NATIONAL POLLSTERS PETER D. HART (OF PETER D. HART
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES), AND V. LANCE TARRANCE (OF LANCE TARRANCE AND ASSOCIATES)
WILL RELEASE AND PRESENT THE RESULTS OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL POLL
EVER TAKEN ON THE ATTITUDES OF HISPANIC AND BLACK AMERICANS ON U.S. IMMIGRATION
ISSUES.
THIS NATIONWIDE SURVEY IS ENTITLED, "HISPANIC AND BLACK ATTITUDES TOWARD
IMMIGRATION POLICY." IT WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN
IMMIGRATION REFORM (FAIR). THE POLL OF RESPONDENTS NATIONWIDE WAS CONDUCTED BY
THESE TWO NATIONALLY-KNOWN POLITICAL POLLING ORGANIZATIONS IN LATE JUNE AND
EARLY JULY OF 1983.
THE SURVEY COVERS MANY AREAS OF IMPORTANCE IN THE CURRENT NATIONAL DEBATE
OVER U.S. IMMIGRATION POLICY. COPIES OF THE RESULTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
THOSE WHO ATTEND THIS PRESS CONFERENCE.
- 30 -
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HISPANIC AND BLACK ATTITUDES
TOWARD IMMIGRATION POLICY
A NATIONWIDE SURVEY CONDUCTED FOR
FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM
June-July 1983
V. Lance Tarrance & Associates
Peter D. Hart Research Associates
Houston, Texas
Washington, D.C.
Introduction
This executive summary presents the key findings of a survey conducted
jointly by V. Lance Tarrance & Associates and Peter D. Hart Research
Associates, Inc., on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration
Reform. The study was designed to examine attitudes toward U.S. immi-
gration policy among representative national samples of Hispanic and black
respondents.
The interviews for this survey were conducted by telephone between
June 24 and July 12, 1983, using the phone bank facilities and professional
field staff of V. Lance Tarrance & Associates. The data are based on
completed interviews with scientifically selected random samples of 800
Hispanic respondents and 800 black respondents. The sample of Hispanics
includes 266 respondents who were interviewed wholly or partly in Spanish.
Among the Hispanic respondents, 76% report that they are currently U.S.
citizens and 24% report that they are not U.S. citizens. An Appendix
fully describes the sampling procedures and other methodological aspects
of the study.
The contents of this executive summary include: (1) a narrative pre-
sentation of the major highlights from the survey findings, (2) a copy of
the questionnaire, including tabulations of the results for all black
respondents, all Hispanic respondents, Hispanic citizens, and Hispanic
non-citizens, and (3) the Appendix referred to above.
SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
Majorities of both Hispanics and blacks rate the issue of immigration
as having above average importance as a matter for the government's
attention.
Both with regard to legal and illegal immigration, substantial
portions of the Hispanic and black communities perceive a need for
change in American immigration policies--with pluralities or majorities
of respondents emphasizing the need to put greater controls on immi-
gration.
Substantial majorities of both Hispanics and blacks favor proposals
to curb illegal immigration by having penalties and fines for employers
who hire illegal immigrants, and by making major increases in the
amount of money the federal government spends on patrolling the
borders to stop illegal immigrants from entering the country.
Hispanics tend to be strongly sympathetic to the idea of an amnesty
program for illegal immigrants who have been in the country for a
certain period of time; a majority of blacks also support this idea,
but with less intensity. When asked to volunteer how long an illegal
immigrant should have been in the country to qualify for amnesty, 28%
of Hispanics mention a period of four years or less, 32% suggest five
years, 29% volunteer a period of more than five years, and 5% stress
their opposition to any sort of amnesty. Among blacks, 21% mention a
residency requirement of four years or less, 27% specify five years,
34% mention a period of more than five years, and 10% say no illegal
immigrant should be granted amnesty.
Pluralities of Hispanics and majorities of blacks believe that the
U.S. should admit fewer immigrants into the country legally than has
been the case in recent years.
Substantial majorities of Hispanics and blacks believe that illegal
immigration hurts the job situation for American workers by taking
away jobs that Americans might fill. Sixty-nine percent of all blacks
say this is a major problem, as do 51% of Hispanics who are U.S.
citizens.
There is no clear consensus among Hispanics or blacks with regard to
the argument that restricting illegal immigration would be harmful to
the economy because illegal immigrants work at low-paying jobs that
would not otherwise get done.
Throughout the survey results, there are substantial differences in
attitudes toward immigration policy between Hispanics who are U.S.
citizens and those who are non-citizens--with Hispanic citizens sig-
nificantly more likely to favor restrictions on immigration.
Low-income blacks are particularly likely to feel an economic threat
from illegal immigration.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS
Concern with the Immigration Issue
1. Among both Hispanics and blacks, there is a broad degree of concern
with the issue of immigration. This is particularly true among Hispanics,
72% of whom rank immigration as having above average importance among the
range of issues with which government deals--including 31% who say immi-
gration is one of the most important issues facing government and 41% who
rank it as very important. Among blacks, 57% assign above average priority
to the issue of immigration.
2. There is a widespread perception that illegal immigrants hurt the job
situation for American workers by taking away jobs that Americans might
take. Fully 82% of all blacks say that illegal immigrants hurt the job
situation for Americans. Sixty-nine percent of all blacks believe that
this situation is a major problem. Blacks with incomes under $10,000 are
particularly likely to feel that job losses caused by illegal immigration
are a major problem (76%). Among Hispanics, a 58% majority believe that
illegal immigrants take jobs away from Americans who might want them, and
46% of all Hispanics consider this to be a problem of major proportions.
Fifty-one percent of Hispanics who are U.S. citizens consider the impact
of illegal immigration on American employment to be a problem of major
proportions, compared to 28% among non-citizen Hispanics.
3. The large majority of blacks (71%) believe that illegal immigrants
cause general pay rates and wages in America to be lower than they other-
wise would be, and six-out-of-ten blacks term the impact of illegal immi-
gration on wage rates a major problem. Attitudes among Hispanics on this
question are somewhat more divided--52% say that illegal immigrants under-
mine American wage rates, while 40% do not believe this is the case.
Among Hispanics who are U.S. citizens, 55% say illegal immigrants undercut
wage rates in the country, including 43% who deem this to be a major
problem. Among non-citizen Hispanics, 42% say that illegal immigrants
undercut wages and the issue is considered to be a major problem by 26%.
4. Attitudes among both Hispanics and blacks are divided with regard to
the assertion that restricting illegal immigration would be harmful to the
economy because low-wage jobs now done by illegal immigrants would not get
done or employers would be forced to pay higher wages. Among Hispanics,
51% agree and 40% disagree. Among blacks, 48% agree and 44% disagree.
The Basic Direction of Immigration Policy
Both with regard to legal and illegal immigration, substantial portions of
the Hispanic and black communities perceive a need for change in American
immigration policies--with pluralities or majorities of respondents empha-
sizing the need to put greater controls on immigration.
1. On the subject of legal immigration, 46% of Hispanics say that the
U.S. should admit fewer immigrants legally than has been the case over the
past decade (the question cited 450,000 as the annual average over the
past decade), 27% feel the recent levels of immigration are about right,
and only 15% say the U.S. should increase the number of legal immigrants
admitted to the country. Among Hispanics who are U.S. citizens, 50%
believe fewer legal immigrants should be admitted than has been the case
in the recent past, 12% prefer higher quotas, and 26% are satisfied with
current levels. Among non-citizen Hispanics, 30% would prefer less legal
immigration, 25% say more legal immigration should be allowed, and 28%
endorse the status quo. When asked specifically about legal immigration
from Mexico in a question that cited the 1980 level of 56,000, Hispanics
are somewhat less agreed on the need for reductions (14% allow more, 37%
allow fewer, 40% about right). There is a broad consensus among blacks in
support of reducing legal immigration generally: fully 65% say the U.S.
should admit fewer legal immigrants than it has under recent practices,
including 45% who say the number of legal immigrants should be a lot less.
2. On the subject of illegal immigration, a substantial plurality of
Hispanics and a large majority of blacks say our current laws need to be
changed to be tougher and more restrictive of illegal immigration and
illegal aliens. Among blacks, fully 70% favor changing current laws to be
tougher on illegal immigration, 16% say the current laws are about right,
and just 8% feel the laws should be changed to be made less restrictive.
Among Hispanics, 47% favor tougher laws, 22% support the status quo, and
15% favor moving toward less restrictions; 16% are unsure. Again, the
difference in attitudes between Hispanics who are U.S. citizens and those
who are non-citizens is substantial: 55% of Hispanic citizens favor
tougher laws to deal with illegal immigration, compared to 23% among
Hispanic non-citizens. Among both blacks and Hispanics, attitudes toward
the basic direction of U.S. policy on illegal immigration hold relatively
stable after respondents are given arguments both for (protecting American
jobs and wages, put the needs of Americans first) and against ("nation of
immigrants" tradition, difficulty of enforcement, potential for discrimi-
nation) tough restrictions on illegal immigration. After hearing the pro
and con statements, Hispanics favor tough restrictions on illegal immi-
gration by a margin of 57% to 32%; blacks favor tough restrictions by a
71%-to-19% margin. (See attached questionnaire for wording of statements.)
Reaction to Specific Policy Proposals
Substantial majorities of both Hispanics and blacks favor proposals to
curb illegal immigration by having penalties and fines for employers who
hire illegal immigrants and making major increases in the amount of money
the federal government spends on patrolling the borders to stop illegal
immigrants from entering the country. At the same time, Hispanics tend to
be strongly sympathetic to the idea of an amnesty program for illegal
immigrants who have been in the country for a certain period of time; a
majority of blacks also support this idea, but with less intensity. When
respondents volunteer what they believe would be an appropriate amount of
time an illegal immigrant should have been in the U.S. in order to qualify
for amnesty, the median response among Hispanics is 4.7, while the median
response among blacks is somewhat higher than five years.
1. By a margin of 60% to 33%, Hispanics support adopting legal sanctions
against employers who hire illegal immigrants. Among Hispanic citizens,
66% favor these employer sanctions--including 53% who strongly support
them. Hispanic non-citizens oppose employer sanctions by a margin of 55%
to 38%. Blacks favor penalizing employers who hire illegal immigrants by
a margin of 66% to 27%, with 56% strongly supporting employer sanctions.
2. Stepped-up spending on tougher border enforcement is supported by all
Hispanics by a margin of 61% to 30%, with 47% saying they feel strongly
about their support for greater efforts to patrol the borders. Among
blacks, fully 69% favor major increases in funding for border patrols
(including 55% who strongly favor this).
3. When asked how they feel about the idea of establishing "some sort of
amnesty or legalization program that would allow illegal immigrants or
undocumented workers who have been in the U.S. for a certain period of
time to remain here legally," 74% of all Hispanics say they favor this
idea, with 57% who say they favor it strongly; 19% oppose the plan.
Blacks favor the concept of amnesty by a margin of 57% to 34%--including
38% who are strongly supportive; 29% are strongly opposed. When asked in
a subsequent question to volunteer how long an illegal immigrant should
have been in the country to qualify for amnesty, 28% of Hispanics mention
a period of four years or less, 32% suggest five years, 29% volunteer a
period of more than five years, and 5% stress their opposition to any sort
of amnesty. Among blacks, 21% mention a residency requirement of four
years or less, 27% specify five years, 34% mention a period of more than
five years, and 10% say no illegal immigrant should be granted amnesty.
4. Finally, respondents were asked for their reaction to the provision of
certain tax-funded services to illegal immigrants, with the following
results:
Hispanics broadly support the idea of having the government
provide free public education to the children of illegal immigrants (71%
favor, 25% oppose); blacks are also favorable to this idea, but by a
somewhat smaller margin (55% favor, 40% oppose).
Majorities of both Hispanics (57% oppose, 36% favor) and blacks
(60% oppose, 36% favor) reject the idea of allowing illegal immigrants to
receive welfare such as AFDC and Food Stamps. Among Hispanic citizens,
63% oppose permitting illegal immigrants to participate in these welfare
programs, including 53% who are in strong opposition.
With regard to Medicaid, Hispanics favor allowing illegal immi-
grants to receive benefits by a margin of 52% to 41%, while opinions among
blacks are slightly more divided (50% favor, 44% oppose).
INTERVIEWER
STUDY #
2084
TARRANCE & ASSOCIATES AND
TIME STARTED
PETER D. HART RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
TIME ENDED
PERSONAL/CONFIDENTIAL
FINANCE
CODING
Hello, I'm
of Tarrance & Associates and Hart Re-
search, national research firms. We're calling long-distance from our national
telephone center in Houston, Texas. We're talking to people all over the country
tonight about their attitudes and opinions concerning topics in the news.
A. First of all, so that we can make sure all
groups are represented, what is your age
please?
SEE COMPUTER PRINTOUT
(IF UNDER 18, ASK FOR OTHER RESPONDENT IN
HOUSEHOLD)
(IF NO RESPONDENT 18 OR OVER, TERMINATE)
1. And, what do you consider your race or
ethnic background - -- black, white,
H
B
C
N
Hispanic, or what?
White (TO 2)
1 7%
--
8%
4%
Black (TO 3)
2
1%
--
1%
2%
Hispanic (TO 3)
3 91% -- 90% 94%
Other (SPECIFY)
(TO 2)
4
1%
--
1%
1%
Don't know/refused (TO 2)
5 1% -- 1%
--
IF "WHITE", "OTHER", OR "DON'T KNOW/REFUSED" IN QUESTION 1, ASK:
2. And from what countries or part of
the world did your ancestors come?
Spanish speaking countries
ONLY (Mexico, Spain, Puerto
Rico, Cuba, other Carribean
nations, Central and South
American nations) (TO 3)
1.
Other countries (READ
TERMINATING STATEMENT)
2
Spanish speaking countries
AND other countries (READ
FOLLOWING STATEMENT)
3
Don't know/refused
4
Note: * indicates less than 1%.
H:
indicates Hispanic respondents
B:
indicates Black respondents
C:
indicates Citizen (Hispanic)
N:
indicates Non-citizen (Hispanic)
IF "SPANISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES AND OTHER COUNTRIES" IN PREVIOUS
QUESTION, ASK:
B. Which one of these countries do
you feel closer to?
Spanish speaking countries
(TO 3)
1
Other (READ TERMINATING
STATEMENT)
2
TERMINATING STATEMENT: SINCE WE ONLY NEED TO TALK WITH CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS
DURING TODAY'S INTERVIEWING, WE WON'T NEED TO BOTHER
YOU ANY FURTHER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR
PARTICIPATION.
3.
Think for a moment about immigration into this country -- that is, people
coming here from other countries with legal papers, visas and the permission
of the U.S. government, and illegally without papers, visas or government
permission. When it comes to the range of all issues with which the govern-
ment deals, how would you rank the importance of immigration? Is it
(ROTATE TOP TO BOTTOM, BOTTOM TO TOP)
H
B
C
N
1) One of the most important issues the government
has to deal with
31%
19%
27%
45%
2)
Very important
41%
38%
40%
44%
3) About average in importance
18%
23%
21%
T%
4) Not very important
6%
7%
7%
2%
5) One of the least important issues the government
has to deal with
2%
12%
3%
1%
6)
Don't know/refused
2%
2%
2%
1%
4.
As you may know, the number of legal
immigrants and refugees coming into
this country has averaged about 450,000
a year over the past 10 years. In your
opinion, should the government let more
immigrants and refugees come into this
country legally each year, fewer immigrants
and refugees into this country legally, or
is this number of legal immigrants and
refugees about right?
H
B
C
N
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And
A lot More
1
10%
3%
9%
16%
would that be a lot more/
More
2
5%
3%
4%
9%
fewer immigrants?
A lot fewer
3
25%
45%
30%
11%
Fewer
4
21%
20%
21%
19%
About right
5
27%
21%
26%
28%
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
6
12%
8%
11%
17%
Thinking about illegal aliens and illegal immigration -- that is, people
who come into this country without papers or visas
5.
Some people think
our laws need to be changed to be tougher and
more restrictive on illegal immigration and illegal
aliens.
Some people think
our laws need to be changed to be easier and less
restrictive on illegal immigration and illegal aliens.
While others think that our laws on illegal immigration are about
right the way they are now.
Which of these statements comes
H
B
C
N
closest to your own viewpoint?
Tougher laws (TO 6-1)
1
47%
70%
55%
23%
Easier laws (TO 6-2)
2 15%
8%
11%
27%
Laws about right (TO 6-3)
3
22%
16%
21%
24%
Unsure (DO NOT READ) (TO 7)
4
16%
6%
13%
26%
IF "TOUGHER LAWS" IN QUESTION 5, ASK:
6-1 And in your own words, why do you think we need tougher laws?
(PROBE: PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT THAT)
01. TAKE OUR JOBS - they are taking jobs away from tax
16%
16%
17%
7%
paying citizens/they are taking the jobs away from
people who need them/illegal aliens are coming in
taking jobs from U.S. citizens/taking our jobs away,
we are starving because of them/ illegal aliens knock
people out of job opportunities/
02. BAD ECONOMY/UNEMPLOYMENT - American people now have
9%
12%
8%
14%
hard times/we just can't support any more - people
who have been here all their lives can't make it/
times are so critical right now
can't find no work,
no how, no way/effect on the economy/a lot of Americans
can't even find a job/
03. AMERICANS SHOULD COME FIRST - we have foreigners come
3%
9%
3%
2%
and then we have to cut back on the things Americans
need/our own people need help/we need to take care of
ourselves before we take care of every other country/we
have our own people to worry about/
04. CHEAP LABOR TAKES JOBS - Americans laid off and then
6%
4%
6%
2%
replaced by illegal aliens who will work for less/
they' 11 work for less pay so the people hire them be-
cause it saves money/people that do come in tend to be
abused in the job market, paid poor wages/they are kill-
ing the job market locally by working for much lower wages/
I worked where there were 80% Vietnamese - they'l work for
nothing and my employer refused higher pay/
Question 6-1 continued
H
B
C
N
05. OVERPOPULATED/ENOUGH PEOPLE NOW - we are overcrowded
8%
7%
8%
7%
and have too many people suffering now/too many people
here already trying to survive/it's already overpopu-
lated here/too many people here already and we can't
support them/we have enough people here as it is/
06. TOO MANY IMMIGRANTS too many people coming here tak- 10% 8% 11% 7%
ing things away from the people already here/too many
aliens are coming' into the country legally or illegally/
too many other people coming into our country/if they
have unlimited numbers things will get out of control/
if they keep slipping in there won't be any room for us/
07. SCREEN FOR UNDESIRABLES/KNOW WHO ENTERS - keep the bad 3% 6% 1% 12%
element out of U.S., allow only people who will be good
citizens/we should go into their backgrounds to see if
they would make good citizens/everyone coming here should
be checked from top to bottom/to know who you're letting
in this country/no way to keep out unwanted criminals/find
out everything about them and why they want to come/
08. DISCOURAGE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION/MAKE IT HARDER dis-
5%
4%
4%
14%
courage the people from coming here/it's no deterrent
now/make it harder for them/worsen the penalty so they
don't want to come/it's just too easy to sneak in here/
09. RESPECT FOR LAW/IT'S ILLEGAL - they are breaking the
4%
3%
4%
5%
law and getting away with it/laws are not being upheld
the way they are supposed to be/I'm against anything
that's illegal/make sure everything will be right and not
illegal/
10. STRICTER CONTROLS/BETTER ENFORCEMENT need more bor- 14% 6% 14%
12%
der patrol/do more than deport person/stricter rules
and there should be government bodies to enforce them/
there needs to be some kind of monitoring and control/
to control immigration/
11. DISEASE CONTROL government should screen these peo-
1%
3%
1%
:
ple closely for different disease/there's no way of
checking these people for germs/disease could be brought
into this country that Americans aren't used to/AIDS/
12. CONTROL CRIME RATE - they break into your house and all 3% 4% 3% 2%
you can do is start shooting/crime rate/keeps us having
to turn to crime to provide/they rob me while I'm out
working/do nothing when they kill or rape someone/
13. STOP IMMIGRATION/ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION it would stop
3%
3%
3%
2%
illegal aliens from coming to the U.S./to keep them
out/to prevent illegal aliens from getting here/no
one should be allowed to come in illegally/we need
laws that will keep them out/they should stay where
God put them/
Question 6-1 continued
I
B
C
N
14. GOVERNMENT BENEFITS/DRAIN ON SOCIETY Uncle Sam winds 6%
2%
6%
2%
up supporting them/we have to pay higher taxes to edu-
cate these people/taking from the community and society/
draining the county of money and welfare/food stamps and
medical support/too many wetbacks on welfare/
15. THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY - they could sabotage us
1%
1%
1%
-%
or anything/they may be spies trying to get informa-
tion about our government/coming in here to overthrow
the government/these people are just taking over, they
are overruling our laws/
16. RECIPROCAL TREATMENT - we can't go over there and just 1% 2% 1% -
live/Americans traveling to other countries are met with
heavy restrictions and I feel we should return the favor/
we don't get treated equally in their countries, so why
should we let them come over here and take advantage of us/
17. SHOULD BE DEPORTED - except for refugees, illegal im-
*%
1%
--
2%
migrants should be immediately deported/send them all
back/they should be deported as soon as they are found/
18. DISCRIMINATION INVOLVED the Cubans are getting more
1%
2%
1%
--
consideration than the other groups and the people al-
ready here/I have to show my birth certificate when I
go downtown/the blacks are truly mistreated in this
case/people are doing things and getting off scott-free
while others are doing something minor and get put away
for life/they get priority on jobs and on welfare/I'm
black and the illegal aliens are treated as whites/there
are many Hispanics here legally, but they lose out to the
illegals/
19. VAGUE GENERAL STATEMENTS so people can really adjust/ *% 1% *%
--
for the improvement of the entire nation/it's just hurt-
ing the country/I just think they should/they are taking
too much advantage of the U.S. kindness/
20. BRING TROUBLE - they owe no allegiance to this country 2% 1% 2%
5%
and take advantage of it every chance they get/their
styles and customs are different/the differences be-
tween their country and ours are too great/they don't
have any money, they don't speak the language/they would
bring all their problems/they come over here without money
or food or anything/
21. SYMPATHETIC TO ILLEGAL ALIENS if the U.S. would help 1% 1% *%
2%
the other countries get on their feet, they wouldn't
have so many/it would give the illegal aliens an oppor-
tunity to get their legal papers/deal with allowing them
to come in legally/the laws should be tougher to better
protect all of the illegal immigrants/I think they will
have a tough time over here/
Question 6-1 continued
I
B
C
N
22. PUNISH EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL ALIENS nothing will hap-
*%
1%
*%
--
pen until people start fining for the hire of illegal
aliens/I think the employers should be penalized, not
the illegal aliens/I'm against employers who hire them/
23. MAKES IT HARDER FOR LEGAL IMMIGRANTS makes it tougher 1% *% *% 2%
for legal immigrants to come into this country/the ille-
gals make it harder for other people to get visas/
24. OTHER
2%
1%
2%
--
25. DON'T KNOW/NO ANSWER
1%
2%
1%
--
IF "EASIER LAWS" IN QUESTION 5, ASK:
6-2 And in your own words, why do you think we need easier laws?
(PROBE: PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT THAT)
01. IMPROVE WAY OF LIFE there are people who are seeking 16% 10% 16% 16%
for a better life/to give everyone a chance to live a
better life/so the people who are illegal have a better
opportunity for a better way of living/they want to es-
cape to a better way of life/
02. ILLEGALS WANT WORK a lot of them need to come here 14%
6%
13%
16%
and work/because the people in Mexico are looking for
decent jobs and a good life/people want to come over
and work/they need work/
03. U.S. OFFERS FREEDOM should be easier to become cit-
2%
11%
1%
4%
izens because we do have freedom/if they want to come
over here, let them come America is the land of the
free/people come to this country so that they may be
free/
04. TO LEGALIZE ILLEGALS - so the illegal people can be-
5%
5%
1%
10%
come legal aliens/if the laws were easier, maybe there
wouldn't be so many illegal immigrants coming in/because
if they're already here, they should be made legal/
05. LAWS INAPPROPRIATE - because the laws that they have
7%
16%
10%
4%
right now are too complicated/some laws are not fair/
not so much easier but new law/need changed, but not
stricter/ society should have less laws/because there
should be no law at all/
06. CHEAP LABOR - because they are penalizing the immi-
2%
2%
4%
--
grants (who) want to come here and are willing to do
cheap labor jobs even the unemployed Americans will not
take/there are certain jobs they do that others will not
do/so they can let more aliens in to do the dirty work
Americans don't want to do, like ditch digging/
Question 6-2 continued
H
B
C
N
07. DESERVE OPPORTUNITY - I think they should give an
7%
10%
11%
2%
opportunity to whoever wants one to come into this
country/people should have a chance to come here and
make it/
08. SIMPLIFY PAPERWORK - it's too hard to get legal papers 7% -- 6%
10%
to come to this country/so the person who comes in won't
have to deal with so much paperwork coming into the U.S./
09. ILLEGALS MISTREATED - I have talked with some illegal
6%
2%
7%
4%
immigrants who were brutally beaten /they are too
rough on the newcomers/border patrol picks up illegal
aliens and they are treated like criminals/
10. ACCEPT ILLEGALS once they're here, don't put them
2%
3%
1%
4%
through so much hassle/easier laws so we can live in
peace/I think the government should let them stay or
they will just live like stowaways/
11. FEWER PROBLEMS there will be less problems for every- 3% 3% 3% 4%
body/because it makes it easier for everybody/
12. DISCRIMINATION there is a lot of discrimination with 1%
3%
--
2%
the illegal aliens and that's not fair/I feel a lot of
people are discriminated against/
13. TO HELP PEOPLE - easier laws so our country can help
5%
--
4%
6%
other people/easier laws so we can help the illegal/
14. ENTERING ANYWAY - because they are getting in anyway/
2%
-
4%
--
people are going to come in anyway/
15. ACCEPT IMMIGRANTS America is made up of immigrants
2%
3%
3%
--
and we shouldn't restrict them in any way/this country
was built by immigrants/we're all immigrants/
16. MORÈ PEOPLE CAN ENTER let more people enter/so people 5% -- 4%
6%
can come and study/so more people from Mexico can come/
17. WANT EASIER LAWS
1%
2%
:
2%
18. OPPOSITE RESPONSE
2%
5%
--
4%
19. OTHER
5%
2%
6%
4%
20. DON'T KNOW/NO ANSWER
4%
18%
4%
4%
IF "LAWS ABOUT RIGHT" IN QUESTION 5, ASK:
6-3 And in your own words, why do you think our laws are about
right? (PROBE: PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT THAT)
H
B
C
N
01. GOOD/FAIR - they are okay/as close to right as they
33%
32%
32%
37%
are going to be/the law is a good law/they seem good/
think things are going all right/they're not too tough
- which is good/
02. HAVE TO SHARE good to have people come in because
10%
10%
7%
17%
there is plenty of work here/have to share what we
have/it's a very big country/if they want to come
here they should be able to/
03. ENOUGH HERE/NO MORE - a few people should come in, but 13% 13% 16% 4%
we don't want to get overcrowded/I think there should
be a limit/not too many coming but we surely don't want
any more/
04. OPPORTUNITIES people come here because things are
6%
6%
7%
4%
really bad at home/people desperately leave their coun-
tries to look for opportunities here/people come here
because they're needy/
05. LAW OKAY/STRICTER ENFORCEMENT laws we have are okay, 7%
8%
8%
4%
only need to use them more/laws are sufficient, they
only need to be enforced/no need to make easier or
tougher : - just apply rules/
06. UNWANTED JOBS - the type of work these people do no
5%
--
3%
9%
one else wants to do/only doing jobs Americans won't
do/immigrant work program work here at the jobs Amer-
icans will not do/
07. STRICTER they should be punished so they won't come
5%
2%
5%
4%
back/it makes me so mad they use our money and get wel-
fare and money from the government/should be deported if
they're here illegally/I don't want to support them with
my tax dollars/
08. TOUGH OR EASY WILL BE BROKEN if you want in you will 5% 4%
5%
7%
find a way/no matter how tough the laws are, illegal im-
migrants are still going to come in/laws tough or easy
will be broken/
09. EASIER - America should be democratic concerning the
2%
1%
2%
2%
aliens/laws need to be liberated more/all people are
created equal and have the right to be treated fairly/
officers - abuse the laws - push people around/
10. LET STAY/MAKE LEGAL - they should be allowed to stay
2%
2%
2%
--
if they are currently relocated here/if they're going
to come, make it legal/
11. OTHER
4%
6%
6%
--
12. DON'T KNOW/NO ANSWER
9%
16%
8%
11%
7.
Thinking about the nation as a whole,
would you say that illegal immigrants
and undocumented workers hurt the job
situation for American workers by taking
I
B
C
N
away jobs that Americans might take?
Yes/hurts - major problem
1
46%
69%
51%
28%
IF "YES", ASK: Would you
Yes/hurts - minor problem
2
12%
13%
14%
7%
say this is a major problem
No/does not hurt jobs
3
36%
13%
29%
59%
nationally, or only a minor
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
4
5%
4%
5%
5%
problem?
8.
And, in your opinion, do illegal immigrants
and undocumented workers cause general pay
rates and wages in America to be lower
than they would be otherwise?
Yes/major problem
1
39%
61%
43%
26%
IF "YES", ASK:
And would
Yes/minor problem
2
13%
10%
12%
16%
you say this is a major problem
No
3
40%
20%
36%
52%
nationally, or only a minor
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
4
9%
9%
10%
6%
problem?
Would you say you agree or disagree with the following statement?
9.
"Restricting illegal immigration into
this country would be bad for the
economy because low wage jobs now
being done by illegal immigrants
would not get done, or employers
would have to pay higher wages for
these jobs.' "
Agree/strongly
1
33%
35%
32%
35%
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And do
Agree
2
18%
13%
18%
19%
you feel strongly about that?
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
3
9%
8%
9%
9%
Disagree
4
11%
12%
14%
3%
Disagree/strongly
5
29%
32%
27%
34%
10. I'd like to get your opinion about some
different proposals that have been
suggested for dealing with the issue of
illegal immigrants. First, do you favor
or oppose the idea of having penalties
and fines for employers who hire illegal
immigrants?
Favor/strongly
1
48%
56%
53%
32%
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And do
Favor
2
12%
10%
13%
6%
you feel strongly about that?
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
3
8%
8%
8%
7%
Oppose
4
7%
10%
7%
10%
Oppose/strongly
5
26%
17%
20%
45%
11.
How do you feel about the idea of
establishing some sort of amnesty
or legalization program that would
allow illegal immigrants or undocumented
workers who have been in the U.S. for a
certain period of time to remain here
legally? Do you favor this idea, or
I
B
C
N
oppose it?
Favor/strongly
1
57%
38%
50%
81%
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And do
Favor
2
17%
19%
20%
7%
you feel strongly about that?
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
3
7%
8%
8%
5%
Oppose
4
4%
5%
4%
1%
Oppose/strongly
5
15%
29%
18%
7%
12.
If there is an amnesty program that allows illegal immigrants to remain
in the U.S., it can apply only to illegal immigrants who have been here
for a long time, or it can also apply to those who came to the U.S. more
recently. How many years do you think an illegal immigrant should have
lived in the U.S. in order to qualify for amnesty and be allowed to stay
here legally? (DO NOT READ ANSWERS, RECORD RESPONSE ONLY) (IF RESPONDENT
UNSURE, PROBE FOR ESTIMATE)
Doesn't matter, respondent
against program regardless
01
5%
10%
6%
3%
0-2 years
02
14%
13%
13%
17%
3-4 years
03
14%
8%
12%
21%
5 years
04
32%
27%
31%
32%
6-9 years
05
11%
8%
11%
10%
10 years
06
11%
14%
12%
5%
11-15 years
07
3%
6%
4%
--
16-20 years
08
2%
3%
2%
1%
21-25 years
09
1%
1%
1%
--
Over 25 years
10
1%
2%
1%
1%
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
11
8%
9%
7%
11%
13. Do you favor or oppose the idea of
making major increases in the amount
of money the U.S. government spends on
patrolling the U.S. borders in order
to stop illegal immigrants from entering
the country?
Favor/strongly
1
47%
55%
49%
39%
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And do
Favor
2
14%
14%
14%
13%
you feel strongly about that?
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
3
9%
8%
8%
15%
Oppose
4
8%
6%
9%
5%
Oppose/strongly
5
22%
18%
20%
27%
Another issue concerning illegal immigrants is whether they should receive
certain tax-funded government services and benefits. Let me ask you for
your opinion about some specific questions in this area.
14.
Do you favor or oppose the idea of
having the government provide free
H
B
C
N
public education to the children
of illegal immigrants?
Favor/strongly
1
60%
42%
53%
80%
Favor
2
11%
13%
12%
6%
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And do
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
3
5%
4%
5%
3%
you feel strongly about that?
Oppose
4
4%
5%
4%
1%
Oppose/strongly
5
21%
35%
25%
9%
15. Do you favor or oppose the idea of
allowing illegal immigrants to receive
welfare, such as A-F-D-C and food stamps?
(NOTE: IF ASKED, A-F-D-C IS "AID TO FAMILIES
WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN")
Favor/strongly
1
26%
22%
20%
44%
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And do
Favor
2
10%
14%
10%
9%
you feel strongly about that?
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
3
8%
5%
7%
11%
Oppose
4
9%
7%
10%
6%
Oppose/strongly
5
48%
53%
53%
30%
16. And do you favor or oppose the idea of
allowing illegal immigrants to receive
Medicaid?
Favor/strongly
1
37%
33%
30%
59%
IF CHOICE MADE, ASK:
And do
Favor
2
15%
17%
16%
12%
you feel strongly about that?
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
3
8%
6%
7%
8%
Oppose
4
8%
7%
10%
3%
Oppose/strongly
5
33%
37%
37%
18%
17.
Now, let me read you statements that people on different sides of the
illegal immigration issue might make. I'd like you to tell me which of
these statements comes closer to your own point of view. (READ SLOWLY -
ROTATE - START WITH CHECKED ( ) QUESTION)
(Other)
Some people say
tough restrictions on illegal immigration are the
right approach because illegal immigrants take jobs
away from American workers and give employers a way
to avoid paying decent wages. The U.S. already is
having enough problems in meeting the needs of its
own people, including disadvantaged and minority
citizens, and we cannot afford to have the extra
burden of all the people who might want to come to
our country.
(Some)
Other people say tough restrictions on illegal immigration are the wrong
approach because it goes against our tradition of being
a nation that was built by immigrants coming here to
seek a better life. Most programs to deal with illegal
immigrants are difficult to enforce, and there is a
danger that these programs will involve discrimination
against minority group citizens.
H
B
C
N
Tough restrictions right
approach
1
57%
71%
64%
34%
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
2
4%
4%
3%
8%
Some of both (DO NOT READ)
3
7%
5%
5%
12%
Neither (DO NOT READ)
4
1%
1%
1%
1%
Tough restrictions wrong
approach
5
32%
19%
27%
46%
Thinking again about legal immigration -- that is, people coming here with legal
papers and visas --
18. The number of legal immigrants who came
into this country from Mexico with the
permission of the U.S. government in 1980
was 56 thousand. In your opinion, should
the government allow more immigrants from
Mexico to come in legally, fewer immigrants,
or is the number of legal immigrants from
Mexico currently coming into this country
just about right?
Allow more
1 14%
5%
12%
19%
Fewer
2
37%
56%
40%
27%
About right
3
40%
31%
39%
44%
Unsure (DO NOT READ)
4
9%
8%
9%
10%
Now, just a few questions for statistical purposes only --
19. What is the last grade of school
H
B
C
N
you completed? (READ LIST)
Less than high school
1
35%
21%
29%
54%
High school graduate
2
33%
37%
34%
27%
Some college
3
20%
24%
23%
11%
College graduate
4
13%
18%
14%
8%
20. What type of work does the head of your household do? (PROBE FOR
VERY SPECIFIC JOB TITLE - I.E., WHAT THE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD DOES -
"PLUMBER", "LAWYER", "CONSTRUCTION WORKER". WRITE "UNEMPLOYED" IF
APPROPRIATE.)
01.
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL
12%
14%
14%
5%
02.
MANAGERS/ADMINISTRATORS
6%
6%
6%
6%
03.
SALES WORKERS
5%
2%
5%
2%
04.
CLERICAL
8%
9%
10%
4%
05.
CRAFTSMEN
17%
13%
17%
18%
06.
OPERATIVES
16%
17%
13%
24%
07.
LABORERS
7%
5%
6%
11%
08.
FARMERS
3%
1%
2%
4%
09.
SERVICE WORKERS
9%
8%
8%
12%
10.
HOUSEHOLD WORKERS
*%
1%
*%
--
11.
RETIRED
7%
11%
7%
5%
12.
STUDENT
2%
2%
1%
3%
13.
UNEMPLOYED
5%
6%
5%
5%
14.
HOUSEWIFE
1%
1%
1%
--
15.
SELF-EMPLOYED
1%
1%
1%
--
16.
DISABLED
1%
2%
2%
1%
17.
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED
1%
2%
1%
2%
21. Which of the following income categories
includes your total family income for
1982? Just stop me when I read the
H
B
C
N
correct category. (READ LIST)
Under $7,000
1
16%
18%
13%
25%
$7,000-$10,000 ($9,999)
2
13%
13%
12%
16%
$10,000-$15,000 ($14,999)
3
18%
16%
18%
20%
$15,000-$20,000 ($19,999)
4
13%
15%
13%
14%
$20,000-$25,000 ($24,999)
5
10%
12%
11%
6%
$25,000-$35,000 ($34,999)
6
10%
9%
12%
4%
$35,000-$50,000 ($49,999)
7
6%
7%
7%
2%
Over $50,000
8
3%
3%
3%
1%
Refused (DO NOT READ)
9
11%
10%
10%
13%
22.
Sex (BY OBSERVATION)
Male/stays at home
1
10%
15%
10%
9%
ASK:
And are you
Male/works outside the home
2
39%
35%
37%
45%
employed outside the home?
Female/stays at home
3
26%
24%
26%
24%
Female/works outside
the home
4
26%
26%
27%
22%
23. And were you born in the United
States?
Yes (TO 26)
1
59%
96%
77%
--
No (TO 24 & 25)
2 41%
4%
23%
99%
Don't know
3
*%
--
--
*%
IF "NO" IN QUESTION 23, ASK:
24. And when did you first come to
this country?
Within the last year
(since 1982)
1
4%
3%
1%
6%
2-3 years ago (1980-1982)
2
7%
12%
--
13%
4-5 years ago (1978-1979)
3
6%
21%
1%
10%
6-10 years ago (1973-1977)
4
18%
12%
11%
23%
11-15 years ago (1968-1972)
5
22%
15%
19%
25%
16-20 years ago (1963-1967)
6
13%
15%
19%
9%
21-25 years ago (1958-1962)
7
11%
9%
19%
5%
Over 25 years ago (1957 and
before)
8
18%
12%
29%
9%
Don't know/no answer
9
1%
3%
1%
1%
IF "NO" IN QUESTION 23, ASK:
25. And are you now a U.S. citizen?
Yes
1
42%
47%
100%
--
No
2 57% 53%
--
100%
APPENDIX: SURVEY METHODOLOGY
This appendix describes the methodological and sampling procedures used
in this study. The complete project consists of 1,600 telephone inter-
views: 800 complete with a national probability sample of Hispanics,
and 800 complete with a national probability sample of blacks. The
study design yields a sample of Hispanics and a sample of blacks, which
are generally representative of all Hispanics and all blacks nationwide.
"Hispanic" was operationally defined in this study as an individual who
1) self-identified him or herself as Hispanic in response to a race or
national identity question, or 2) an individual who indicated that his
or her ancestors were from a Spanish-speaking country. In instances
in which a respondent reported that ancestors were from two or more
countries, the respondent was asked to which country he or she felt
closest. (See questionnaire for exact wording).
"Black" was operationally defined in this study as an individual who
self-identified him or herself as black in response to a race or national
identity question.
The Hispanic and black sampling and interviewing in this project were
conducted separately. The basic sample design for each project was
multi-stage: 1) a full national probability sample, and 2) a cluster
sample generated from completed interviews obtained from the probability
sample.
The initial national sample was a full Random Digit Dialing (RDD) proba-
bility sample of the 48 contiguous states. The black sample consisted
of 12,000 phone numbers, while the Hispanic sample consisted of 24,000
phone numbers. RDD samples involve the random generation of phone numbers
from phone exchanges, and ensure the inclusion of unlisted numbers in the
sample.
Interviews were completed with individuals who met the ethnic (and 18
year old) screen in each sample. This procedure yielded approximately
half of the required interviews for both samples. At that point, each
completed interview was used as a cluster sampling point, and phone numbers
were randomly generated from the completed phone number until the full
800 interviews had been completed for each ethnic group. The phone number
generation procedure consisted of dropping the last two digits of the
completed phone number and generating sequential digits on that phone
number from a random starting point until an interview was completed.
Approximately one-half of the completed interviews were generated from
a full national probability sample, while the other half were generated
from the cluster sampling points determined from the first stage of the
sampling procedure. United States census figures (1980 census) on the
distribution of Hispanics and blacks nationwide were used in the second
cluster sampling stage of this project to adjust the number of interviews
completed by census region. Thus, the final sample of 800 black and 800
Hispanic interviews generally reflects United States Census Bureau
figures on the distribution of these two ethnic groups across the 48
contiguous United States. (The distribution of interviews by state is
included in this document.)
Spanish-speaking interviewers were employed for the Hispanic sample. In
all instances when a Spanish-speaking interviewer was not available when
a Spanish-speaking household was contacted for the Hispanic sample, the
household number was tagged, and a Spanish-speaking interviewer called
back shortly in order to complete the interview. A total of 266 of the
800 Hispanic interviews were conducted in Spanish. A copy of the Spanish
translation of the interview schedule used is attached to this document.
A 50:50 sex quota was employed for both the black and the Hispanic samples.
Both the Hispanic and the black samples are generally representative of
the total Hispanic and total black population in the United States. In
general, Hispanic and black households are somewhat less likely to have
telephones than are other households in the United States. This sample
is reflective only of black and Hispanic households with telephones. There
is some (unknown) bias introduced by the fact that households without
telephones are excluded from this sample.
In general, in 95 cases out of 100, the responses obtained from a simple
probability sample of 800 individuals will be within ± 3.5 percentage
points of the responses that would have been obtained had every member
of the target population been interviewed. The cluster sampling proce-
dures utilized for part of the interviews obtained in this project mean
that the real statistical margin of error is slightly higher than these
figures.
All interviews were conducted by telephone from Tarrance & Associates'
national headquarters in Houston, Texas. Interviewing was conducted
between June 24 and July 12, 1983.
BLACK RESPONDENTS
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Number
Percent
Alabama
31
4
Arizona
5
1
Arkansas
12
2
California
56
7
Colorado
3
*
Connecticut
7
1
Delaware
2
*
Florida
42
5
Georgia
47
6
Illinois
61
8
Indiana
14
2
Iowa
1
*
Kansas
3
*
Kentucky
10
1
Louisiana
31
4
Maryland
29
4
Massachusetts
8
1
Michigan
37
5
Minnesota
1
*
Mississippi
28
4
Missouri
16
2
Nebraska
3
*
Nevada
2
*
New Jersey
26
3
New Mexico
1
*
New York
73
9
North Carolina
40
5
Ohio
31
4
Oklahoma
8
1
Pennsylvania
30
4
South Carolina
30
4
South Dakota
1
*
Tennessee
21
3
Texas
52
7
Utah
1
*
Virginia
31
4
Washington
1
*
West Virginia
2
*
Wisconsin
3
*
800
Note: * indicates less than 1%.
HISPANIC RESPONDENTS
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Number
Percent
Arizona
25
3
Arkansas
2
*
California
259
32
Colorado
19
2
Connecticut
7
1
Florida
51
6
Georgia
1
*
Illinois
42
5
Indiana
5
1
Iowa
1
*
Kansas
4
1
Kentucky
1
*
Louisiana
4
1
Massachusetts
8
1
Michigan
9
1
Missouri
1
*
Nebraska
1
*
Nevada
3
*
New Jersey
27
3
New Mexico
27
3
New York
94
12
North Carolina
6
1
North Dakota
1
*
Oklahoma
3
*
Oregon
1
*
Pennsylvania
8
1
South Carolina
1
*
Tennessee
2
*
Texas
170
21
Utah
4
1
Virginia
6
1
Washington
3
*
West Virginia
1
*
Wisconsin
3
*
800
Note: * indicates less than 1%.
IMMIGRATION
Nov. 10 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1981
-minimum charge in which the recipient,
administration's policy of detaining aliens
and the one
unless they're totally needy, pays some
arriving illegally in the United States, pend-
share has been found to be very successful
ing resolution of their status.
sounds pretty
in reducing over-use of some programs.
In connection with this decision, the
Now, I can
we look far di
Now, again, you're citing something that
President today met with Representative
has not yet come to me, if it is going to
to do radio n
David Martin of New York who has been
come, as an option. So, we'll wait and see.
soul that OWL
particularly concerned with the preserva-
On the first part of your question, which I
The Fair Tral
tion of Fort Drum's role in national defense
think is the main question, yes. Let me give
could not do
plans. The President reassured him of the
an example. In California, we have some
was unfair 10
administration's commitment to the long
programs in which the choice could be be-
boss came to
term development and use of the base as a
tween home care for the individual or insti-
were going 1
key defense installation. The President also
tutionalizing them. I'm speaking of such
that would se
indicated that the temporary use of Fort
things-mental retardation and so forth.
a newspaper
Drum as a detention facility will in no way
And we have a program where a family
H. R. Gross,
compromise current activities at the base.
that elects to go the one way-and there's
States Congre
No decision has been made for the location
certain means tests connected with this—
gressman her
of a permanent facility.
gets a grant, which is far more economical,
did the spor
just as this hospital bill is, than in institu-
source we In
tionalizing the person. And I think that
Western Uni
when we see a case of this kind it reveals
ate season w
that hide-bound regulations can be a tre-
ABC News Building
there were.
mendous expense to the taxpayers and
was it.
doing no good to the patient.
Remarks at the Dedication of the New
There was
Ms. Thomas. Thank you, Mr. President.
Building for the Washington Bureau.
at night sport
The President. Thank you, Helen.
November 12, 1981
went much
studio a little
Note: The President's fifth news conference
The President. Thank you all very much.
early mornir
began at 2 p.m. in the East Room at the
Register at
White House. It was broadcast live on radio
It is a pleasure for me to be here, and am I
from which I
and television.
impressed now when I stop to think that I
ing sports sur
used to go walking on the beach with Elton
But we've
Rule in California. [Laughter]
and I am ver
I knew that I wanted to bring something
I understand
to you today, so I have a news flash. Chase
ing of the pla
Fort Drum, New York
Manhattan has lowered the prime rate to
to go into an
16%-[laughter}-the 3-month bill is down
dom of the Il
Announcement of the Decision To Use
to 10-5-0, having opened at 11, and the
about regula
Federal Facilities at the Fort as a
long bond has improved two points on par
our efforts to
Temporary Holding Facility for Illegal
in the first hour of the market. [Laughter]
and get rid
Aliens. November 10, 1981
Oh, yes, and I think you should know that
industry is 1
the space shuttle got off. [Laughter] That's
work on that
The Federal facilities at Fort Drum near
the only thing my administration favors in
zens.
Watertown, N.Y., will be utilized as a tem-
going up. [Laughter]
Mr. Done
porary holding facility for aliens arriving il-
Seriously, to see this, the largest building,
would a new
legally in this country, pending construction
as I understand, devoted totally to electron-
make a little
of a permanent facility. A thorough search
ic news, is really something-and to know
you, sir, can
was conducted by the Departments of Jus-
that in the late fifties, your entire staff here
effective afte
tice, Health and Human Services, and De-
in Washington consisted of four TV com-
about your n
fense. All these Departments agreed Fort
mentators and one for radio. But I'd just
The Presi
Drum was the one site that met the key
like to take you back a little further, being
when I leave
criteria, including capacity, availability, and
the only one here, I think, that's old enough
have a meet
minimal impact on defense operations.
to do it. But, yes, in those WHO days in Des
all I can tell
Use of this site will allow the Immigration
Moines, Iowa, 50,000 watts, another net-
Mr. Dona
and Naturalization Service to continue the
work in the middle thirties, even the four
Republican :
1248
Refugees May Not Come To Drum
By Alan Emery
Mr. Hiller sald if a survey of pre-
said, and il was difficult for the pub-
empty Chaffee of Cubans "within a
Times Washington Correspondent
sent and near-future conditions
lic to view the refugee issue
year."
WASHINGTON - A key Reagon
Administration official says there
showed money could be saved by
"rationally."
Mr. Hiller conceded that the
continuing the detention of refugees
He cited the 1980 Arkansas
18 a possibility no Haitian or Cuban
planned, closing of Chaffee was "a
refugees will be sent to Fort Drum.
at 16 or 17 sites around the country.
gubernatorial efection. where the
matter of political equity, but it was
rather than putting millions into
experiences with Cubans at Fort
political equity in its broadest
Instead. says David Hiller. a
construction and operation at Fort
Chaffee led to the defeat of Demo-
sense. Everything about this illegal
special assistant to Atty. Gen. Wil-
Drum. the administration might
cratic Gov. Bill Clinton by Republi-
alien issue is political. The politics
liam French Smith, the Northern
well favor the status quo.
can Frank White, who vowed to
of this can be brutal."
New York Army installation "con-
ceivably could only be held in rc.
He attributed the uncertainty
To speculation that California
serve" for use as a detention center
over Drum to a sharp drop in the
and Texas sites for refugee centers
for illegal aliens.
number of illegal aliens entering
Watertown (NY) Times
were ruled out because the states
the United States in recent months
12-10-81
were Kome to President Reagan
The comment, from a Justice
and doubts those numbers would In-
and Vice President Bush, respec-
Department official who is closely
crease even after the weather gets
tively, Mr. Hillcr replied there were
monitoring administration refugee
warmer and storms at sea subside.
other reasons.
policy. reflected the extreme vola.
tility of the situation and the possi-
Mr. Hiller's observations, in an
The Miami Herald quoted an un-
bility that decisions could change or
Interview with The Times
Identified administration memor-
be modified quickly.
appeared to conflict with those of
andum as saying choosing any site
other administration officials who
in Florida "could cause a major
think the chances are good there
problem for Sen. (Paula) Ha W-
will be n new flood of Haitian arriv-
kins." a freshman Republican from
als in the spring.
that state.
There have been other differ-
Mr. Hiller said the cholce of Fort
ences of opinion within the adminis-
Drum was "entirely defensible on
tration Involving the selection of
the merits" because of drawbacks
Fort Drum.
at other sites that had been consi-
Mr. Hiller disclosed that the Jus-
dered.
tice Department had wanted to
Westover Air Force Base,
send the refugees to Fort Leonard
Mass., was ruled out because it was
Wood, Mo., but had been unable to
near suburban housing and, Mr.
overcome objections of the Defense
Hiller said, lacked space and had
Department. which argued it would
mostly single-family housing units
be disruptive to the military mis-
that were Inappropriate for a re-
sion at the active Army post.
See REFUGEES - Pg. 20
Similar Pentagon objections to
Fort Drum were overridden,
Mr. Hiller said Leonard Wood
had better weather and was prefer-
able from the geographic point of
view to Fort Drum.
He also conceded that political
considerations had been taken into
account before the final decision to
1
settle on Drum.
The influx of more than 20,000
Cubans had "polluted the well," he
Refugees
ing all plans with the Congressman
before moving ahead with details.
It is highly unlikely any signifi-
From Last Page
cant administration move will be
fugee center. Other sources cite the
made without the Congressman's
base's falling in the congressional
approval, and the first issue to be
district of Rep. Edward Boland, D-
settled is illegal alien security at
Mass., an influeential House mem-
Fort Drum.
ber and close friend of Speaker Tho-
There have been rumors of a $35
mas P. (Tip) O'Neill Jr.
million administration request to
Glasgow, Mont., was rejected as
Congress for refugee detention
being too small, despite a favorable
work, to build a permanent center
local reaction to having the refugee
at McAlester, Okla., or to put much
center there.
of that money into Fort Drum re-
Although Rep. David O'B. Mar-
habilitation and operation.
tin. R-Canton, in whose district
Informed sources say they have
Fort Drum ties, is a freshman, he is
not heard that figure mentioned.
being listened to carefully in high
Other speculation mentions $51 mil-
administration circles.
lion, both for Fort Drum and to re-
He has conferred regularly-with
tain 775 Haitians at Fort Allen,
White House Chief of Staff James A.
Puerto Rico. However, if the Fort
A
Baker 3rd, on the refugee question,
Drum center is opened it is likely
and Immigration Commissioner-
the Fort Allen Haitians will be ship-
designate Alan C. Nelson is clear-
ped there.
THEN
fImigration
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of the Attorney General
POSTITIA
Counselor to the Attorney General
2/23/82
Jim,
Ottabled in a
brief mime that sets
first the salent
goints likely to be
The disigneent
raind by to Common
is like to be on the
IO and issue See
point 3 of the
JAB
This is copy of DOJ guide
ance I requested ie
immigration meeting
w/ clements. I 've
given Mease a copy. too
MEMORANDUM
Jun
You are scheduled to meet with Governor Clements, Ed
Meese, and Jim Baker, on Tuesday, February 23, 1982, in the
Roosevelt Room of the White House.
Governor Clements, who requested the meeting, wants to
discuss immigration and his recent trips to Mexico to see
President Lopez-Portillo and his successor, Sr. de la Madride.
He is likely to make the following points, which he stated
before the Task Force on Immigration and Refugee Policy of the
National Governors' Conference.
1. There is a pressing need for admitting guest workers
to the U.S. from Mexico. They contribute to the economy and do
not take jobs away from Americans.
2. Employer sanctions are essential. Governor Clements
has proposed a "relocation fee" of $1,000 for each illegal
knowingly hired. He prefers such a fee to civil penalties,
although they amount practically to the same thing.
3. The U.S. needs a reliable and non-counterfeitable
identifier. He prefers an upgraded Social Security card.
[Note: some such card will be required by Simpson's and
Mazzoli's bills, was recommended by the Select Commission,
is favored by other pro-enforcement groups, and by some busi-
ness groups seeking ease of administrating the law.]
4. Some kind of resident status for illegals now here.
Governor Clements approves the Administration's legalization in
principle, but dislikes "amnesty." He calls for a fast track
to citizenship for those here a long time, say 5 years, who are
working and have a clean record. For those here less long, he
would give a temporary status.
5. We must consult and cooperate closely with the Mexicans.
Clements discussed with Portillo whether Mexico would give exit
visas to Mexicans coming to the U.S.
From the above, it continues to appear that the Administra-
tion and Clements position are quite close. Accommodations will
be possible. We will work closely with him, but should not make
any commitments at the Tuesday meeting.