Midwest split on immigration reform path

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CHICAGO, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- A survey of Midwesterners finds most feel less threatened by immigration concerns than over the last 20 years, but they are split on how to address the issue.

A Chicago Council Survey poll found most Midwesterners did not know illegal immigration has gone down in recent years. In fact, 59 percent said it was their impression illegal immigration was going up.

When asked how they thought the federal government should proceed in addressing the topic, 38 percent advocated comprehensive immigration reform passed by Congress; 41 percent said they preferred incremental reforms to address the problem.

A majority of respondents mistakenly believe a majority of all immigrants in the country came here illegally, but of those who did not hold that view, 60 percent favored allowing those who did enter the country illegally to keep their jobs and be granted a pathway to citizenship.

Poll results were gleaned from two surveys, one conducted from May 25 to June 8 and another from Aug. 16 to 27. The group's release did not list a margin of error.