2006 National Survey of Latinos: The immigration debate

Abstract

Latinos are feeling more discriminated against, politically energized and unified following the immigration policy debate and the pro-immigration marches this spring, according to the 2006 National Survey of Latinos conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center. More than half (54%) of Latinos surveyed believe the debate has increased discrimination. Almost two-thirds (63%) think the pro-immigrant marches this year signal the beginning of a new and lasting social movement. And in marked contrast to prior surveys, a majority (58%) now believes Hispanics are working together to achieve common goals. The survey reveals that Latinos to some extent are holding the Republican Party responsible for what they perceive to be the negative consequences of the immigration debate, but the political impact of that perception is uncertain. At the same time, however, the Democratic Party showed no significant gains among Hispanic registered voters and by some measures may have lost some support. If anything, the survey shows that a growing number of Latinos are dissatisfied with both parties.