Two-Thirds of Americans Want Immigration Reform

Bipartisan support

President Obama on Monday will attempt to reignite the debate on immigration reform, as a new poll shows that nearly two in three Americans support providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

According to a report by nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute, 63% of Americans are in favor of creating such a pathway, while just 14% back a plan allowing undocumented immirgants to become permanent legal residents, but not citizens. Meanwhile, 18% want a policy that would identify and deport all immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

The survey shows there is little variation along party lines among those who back citizenship: Sixty percent of Republicans, 57% of independents and 73% of Democrats are in favor of such a plan.