Americans blame federal government, support Sheriff Joe Arpaio on immigration

October 13, 12:54 PMPhoenix Conservative ExaminerScott Martin

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Some interesting results from the latest Rasmussen poll on illegal immigration show that voters overwhelmingly support conservative public policy on the issue.

U.S. voters want aggressive action to restrict illegal immigration, but they don’t think immigrants should bear the brunt of the enforcement efforts on their own. Most say the federal government and those hiring illegal immigrants also need to be brought into the discussion.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% say the policies of the federal government encourage people to enter the United States illegally. Only 27% disagree, and 17% are not sure.

There is no larger area of disconnect between our politicians and our citizens than this issue. It is not surprising that it is the good people of this country who are exercising greater wisdom and common sense. During the amnesty discussion of 2007, the federal government via President Bush and Congress took the position that the main issue is our classification of illegal immigrants as illegal immigrants. The American people told Congress that the federal government is the problem.

The view that the federal government is enticing people to violate the law is consistent with earlier surveys. Among voters who are angry about immigration, 83% are angry at the federal government. Only 12% direct their anger at the immigrants.

I don't know anyone that doesn't understand why someone would want to enter America illegally. How can your anger be at them? The poll shows that we rightly direct our anger at the cause of the problem, a federal government that refuses to take steps to solve the problem.

Additionally, Americans overwhelmingly support the actions taken by my Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

The new survey finds that 64% believe law enforcement officers should sometimes conduct surprise raids at places where immigrants gather to find work. An even larger number (71%) say those who do the hiring also should be arrested.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona has aggressively enforced laws against illegal immigration including raids of places where illegal immigrants gather to seek work. He is viewed favorably by 68% of Arizona voters, making him one of the state’s most popular political figures. Most in the state say the tough sheriff has been good for the state’s image.

Wonder why Americans are angry with the federal government? Look at the Obama administration's view of the popular sheriff.

However, Arpaio's activities have drawn greater scrutiny under the Obama administration. His department is now being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for alleged racial profiling in its street sweeps for illegal immigrants. Similar profiling concerns have prompted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to limit Arpaio's ability to arrest suspected illegal immigrants under federal law. His officers will still be allowed to check the immigration status of people brought into their jail on other charges but will no longer be able to conduct street patrols specifically looking for illegal immigrants.

Arpaio's solutions have worked in Maricopa County to the extent that they have been allowed to take place. The people of the county, state and nation support his policies and recognize the wisdom of them. Democrats attempt to prevent them. So this last bit of information should come as no surprise:

Republicans and unaffiliated voters overwhelmingly believe that federal policies encourage illegal immigration. Thirty-two percent (32%) of Democrats agree, but 41% do not.

The problem with our liberal friends seems to be that they think so much that isn't so.