Majority supports path to citizenship for Dreamers, undocumented migrants, UMass-Amherst/WCVB poll finds

Just more than half of Americans would support allowing immigrants living in the United States illegally to pursue citizenship, according to the results of a new national poll. Respondents to the UMass-Amherst/WCVB poll were asked whether they would support or oppose several possible immigration policies. A total of 52% said they would strongly support or somewhat support allowing undocumented immigrants to become citizens if they met citizenship requirements and committed no crimes. More of those polled, 68%, said they would strongly support or somewhat support allowing the children of immigrants, known as "Dreamers," to pursue citizenship. Other policies did not receive support from a majority of those polled. Building a wall along the border with Mexico received support from 48% of respondents, and 45% supported allowing refugees or asylum seekers to work temporarily in the United States. Download: Poll toplines | Poll crosstabsThe national poll is based on responses from 1,064 individuals who answered the survey between Jan. 25 and Jan. 30. The margin of error is 3.7%.Additionally, the poll asked respondents to rate their agreement with several statements about the impact of immigration and diversity on the nation.The poll found that 53% of respondents agreed that racial and ethnic diversity tends to strengthen the character of a country.