A new Texas Tribune University of Texas poll shows Texans support the DACA program, but also support the new state law banning 'Sanctuary Cities,' News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Nearly six in ten Texans, including an overwhelming number of Democrats and a significant number of Republicans, say the so called 'dreamers,' children of illegal immigrants who came to this country with their parents, should be allowed to remain in Texas, according to pollster Jim Henson.
But he says while more than eight in ten Democrats agree with allowing the 'dreamers' to stay, Republicans are divided on the issue."48% of Republicans said the programs should end, 39% said it would continue," Henson said. "That is a little bit more divided than we often seen on immigration issues among Republicans."
When broken down by ethnicity, not surprisingly, Hispanics support continuing the DACA program with a majority of 64% saying the program should continue, a larger percentage than African Americans or Anglos.
When it comes to Sanctuary Cities, pollsters say nearly half of Texans support the 'show me your papers' law, which allows local officials, including police, to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Hensen says a significant minority of Hispanics support the law outlawing Sanctuary Cities, even though opponents say Hispanics would be the ones who would be 'profiled' under the law.
"Its a little bit surprising but not too surprising," Henson said. "We know there is a not insignificant number of Texas Hispanics who do hold moderate and conservative attitudes."
The poll could also show that many Hispanics support the argument that Sanctuary policies actually lead to more crime against Latinos, because criminal illegal immigrants are more likely to live in largely Hispanic neighborhoods and prey on fellow Latinos.