75% Favor Earned Citizenship

22. Are you aware that an April 2006 Time magazine poll, found that 75% of the respondents favored allowing citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already here, if they have a job, demonstrate proficiency in English, and pay their taxes?" (Tumulty, p. 36.)

23. Would you allow undocumented immigrants to stay in this country as long as they become integrated into U.S. society by learning English, do not burden other taxpayers because they have a job, and pay their fair share of taxes?

Immigrants Benefit The Economy

24. Are you aware that the consensus of most economists is that, "on balance, immigration is good for the country. Immigrants provide scare labor, which lowers prices in much the same way that global trade does." (Roger Lowenstein, "The Immigration Equation," The New York Times, July 9, 2006, at http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/ 09/magazine/09IMM.html?pagewanted=all.)

25. First, immigrants work in less desirable jobs, thereby "keeping a lid on inflation and interest rates. As a result, prices for goods and services are lower, and citizens can purchase more." (Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and Daren Fonda, "Special Report on Immigration: What It Means for Your Wallet," Time, April 10, 2006, p. 43.)

26. Who would do these less desirable jobs done by undocumented immigrants-farm labor, heavy manual labor, cleaning and maid services, gardeners, restaurant bus boys and dishwashers, nannies, etc.-if undocumented immigrants somehow disappeared?

27. Second, immigrants contribute to the economy as consumers. A recent study by economists at the University of North Carolina "found that Hispanic residents, 45% of whom were undocumented, contributed $9.2 billion in spending to North Carolina's economy in 2004." (Ibid.)

28. Third, undocumented immigrants are keeping some American industries competitive, allowing them to remain in America, otherwise, these industries would have gone overseas. (Ibid.)

29. Fourth, undocumented immigrants pay taxes?