The Democratic leadership is attempting to revive the “compromise immigration bill.”  They just don’t get it – nobody likes this bill.  Whether conservative, liberal or leftist, the American public recognizes that this bill is bad news.  A recent poll from Rasmussen Reports demonstrates how out of touch the supporters of this bill are: 

As the Senate prepares to resume debate the “comprehensive” immigration reform bill, the legislation continues to face broad public opposition. In fact, despite a massive White House effort, public opinion has barely moved since the public uproar stalled the bill just over two weeks ago.

 

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that just 22% of American voters currently favor the legislation. That’s down a point from 23% a couple of weeks ago from 26% when the debate in the Senate began. Fifty percent (50%) oppose the Senate bill while 28% are not sure.

 

Among the public, there is a bi-partisan lack of enthusiasm for the Senate bill.  It is supported by 22% of Republicans, 23% of Democrats, and 22% of those not affiliated with either major party.  It is opposed by 52% of Republicans, 50% of Democrats, and 48% of unaffiliateds.

 

From an ideological perspective, the bill is opposed by 59% of conservatives, 54% of liberals, and 45% of political moderates. Among those for whom none of the traditional ideological labels apply, just 20% are opposed.

 

Support is found from 20% of conservatives, 32% of liberals, and 18% of moderates.

 

Just 32% believe it would be better to pass the current bill instead of doing nothing. Forty-five percent (45%) believe it would be better to pass nothing at all.

 

If the current bill passed, 71% of American voters believe that another bill would be required to focus on securing the border and reducing illegal immigration. That’s up from 65% in our previous survey.

 

Rasmussen Reports and other firms have consistently found majority support for a hypothetical bill combining border security and legalized status for the 12 million or so illegal aliens already in the country. However, the data has also shown a huge gap between support for the actual legislation and a hypothetical bill. The reason for the gap is simple -- reducing illegal immigration is the first priority for voters but only 16% believe the Senate bill would reduce illegal immigration.  In fact, 41% believe the Senate bill would make things worse and lead to even more illegal immigration.

Bernie Sanders - for my money the only true "progressive" in the Senate - makes the case very well at Link.  Bernie Sanders was joined by AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka at a Capitol Hill news conference to spell out how an immigration bill now under consideration by the Senate would hurt workers in the United States and other countries. Edward Sullivan, president of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, and United Food and Commercial Workers President Joe Hansen also participated in the press conference.

This bill is bad for everyone.  Write Senator Salazar and tell him to vote against it.