Oklahomans Divided On Immigration Issue

Saturday, May 5th 2007, 9:03 pm

By: News On 6

Illegal immigration is a hot button issue with Oklahoma voters, and our latest Oklahoma Poll shows the public is divided over how to deal with it. The News On 6 and the Tulsa World asked a statewide sample of 750 likely voters what the government should do about illegal immigrants. Thirty-eight percent of those we polled say illegals should be required to leave, but allowed to return if immigration requirements are met. Thirty-five percent say they should be allowed to stay in the country and become citizens if requirements are met. Only 13% of likely voters believe illegal immigrants should leave and not be allowed to return, while 14% say they could return, but only temporarily to work.

We also wanted to know how you feel about employers who hire illegal immigrants, and thereâ€™s not much disagreement by voters on this question. Eighty-one percent agree that employers should be penalized for hiring illegal immigrants; only 16% say there should be no penalty.

Finally, we asked a pocketbook question. Would you be willing to pay more for food to keep illegal immigrants from doing farm labor? Again, a strong yes vote with 66% saying they would pay more for food, 29% say no.

The Oklahoma Poll is a partnership between The News On 6 and the Tulsa World. The poll was conducted at the end of April and has a 3Â½% margin of error.