New Yorkers of all kinds have been protesting Arizona's new immigration law pretty much since it was announced, and with good reason; the melting pot of America has a reputation for accepting immigrants. A new survey confirms that tradition, with New Yorkers opposing the law by a 2-1 margin. However, the percentage among white people polled was 49-47 for the law. Were guessing they make up a majority of the 52% who want the law here.
Though 78% of blacks and 70% of Latinos were against the law, the poll found that Latinos were more likely to notify authorities if they knew someone was here illegally. Also, 26% of Republicans said they would report an illegal immigrant, compared to just 15% of Democrats. And 23% of New Yorkers, including one third of Bronx residents, said immigration wasn't a problem in New York.
Chung-Wha Hong, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said New Yorkers are too savvy to implement the law here. "New Yorkers know what this is about. They get it. They know that hyping up the phobia is not the answer." The controversial law is currently being challenged in court, with the Justice Department saying that regulating immigration is the job of the federal government.
