National Latino Voters
2003 Immigration Opinion Poll Results
Age Group 65 and Older Voters
During the 1940's, 50's, and 60's, the U.S. and Mexico had a migrant farm worker program called the "bracero program" that brought thousands of Mexican workers to the U.S. to work in the fields. Have you ever heard of the "bracero" program?
Yes
69%
No
29%
Don't Know/Refused
2%
How would you describe the "bracero" program?
A useful program that provided Mexican workers with jobs and filled labor shortages in the U.S
65%
An exploitative program that deprived Mexican workers of their rights and took jobs from Americans
18%
Both
6%
Neither
4%
Don't Know/Refused
7%
Allowing "illegal" immigrant farm workers to get papers to enter the United States legally?
Favor
73%
Oppose
19%
Don't Know/Refused
8%
Allowing illegal immigrant farm workers to get work permits and eventually become permanent residents in exchange for several years of mandatory agricultural labor?
Favor
69%
Oppose
23%
Don't Know/Refused
8%
Bringing increased numbers of immigrants into the United States on a temporary basis for farm labor when there are labor shortages?
Favor
70%
Oppose
23%
Don't Know/Refused
7%
Do you think the U.S. should:
Try its best to keep "illegal immigrants" from working in the United States
11%
Look the other way and allow illegal immigration
6%
Enact a program that allows "illegal immigrants" to work temporarily in the U.S. legally
14%
Enact a program to legalize "illegal immigrants" who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, are employed, and have no criminal record
50%
None of the above
6%
Other
1%
Don't Know/Refused
12%
Some experts say that over 50 percent of farm workers working in the United States are "illegal aliens". Do you think these farm workers:
Generally take agricultural jobs that Americans do not want
67%
Generally take jobs from Americans who want and would take them
16%
Neither
10%
Both
3%
Don't Know/Refused
4%
Do you think a program to allow foreign farm workers to enter the U.S. legally to do seasonal farm work would:
Hurt American Workers
15%
Help American Workers
38%
Have little or no effect on American Workers
36%
Don't Know/Refused
11%
Farm workers are some of the lowest paid workers in the U.S. Do you agree or disagree that they should receive higher wages even if it causes food prices to rise?
