January 5, 2001
Results of the November 2000 WestTrack poll show:
Arizonans Divided on Impact of Growing Mexican Population in Arizona
(Verbatim questions follow section)
Nearly three of five (58%) Tucson residents believe that the increase in Mexican residents in Arizona is a very positive or somewhat positive factor for Arizona, while two of five Phoenix area residents (41%) hold this belief. Some 39 percent of residents from other areas of the state believe the influence to be positive. Overall, 44 percent viewed the increase in Mexican residents as a positive factor for the state, 39 percent viewed it as a negative factor, and 18 percent did not respond to the question.
Younger residents are more likely to hold a positive opinion (51% of those age 30 and younger) as are the most affluent (49% of those earning $75,000 or more annually).
When asked the reason for their response, those who believe the increase in Mexican population in Arizona is positive cited most often: “adds diversity to culture” (19%), “good labor source” (18%), and “Have no problems with immigration/ it’s a free country” (16%).
The top reasons given by those who view the Mexican population as a negative factor for Arizona were: “too many illegals/cause problems” (32%), “should have to learn English/meld into society” (18%), “there are enough/too many here now” (11%), “they take jobs away from American citizens” (11%), and “drain on the economy/welfare” (11%).
Verbatim Question 1:
Do you think the increase in Mexican residents in Arizona is an overall
positive or negative factor for the state of Arizona? Would you say that
the growing number of Mexican people in Arizona is very positive, somewhat
positive, somewhat negative or very negative?
Verbatim Question 2:
Why
do you say that?
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