News Summary
A recent poll by UC Irvine shows that nearly 90% of Orange County residents support changes to U.S. immigration policy. The survey indicates a strong desire for allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status, with notable support among younger voters. Despite the political divide, there’s a prevailing sentiment among the community advocating for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement, amid rising concerns over recent deportation actions.
Orange County, California – A recent poll conducted by the University of California, Irvine, reveals that nearly 90% of residents in Orange County support changes to U.S. immigration policy. This substantial backing reflects a growing sentiment among the community regarding how the country manages undocumented immigration.
The poll, which surveyed 800 adults from late June to early July, found that 61% of respondents favor allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status. In contrast, 28% support the deportation of undocumented immigrants back to their countries of origin. These figures illustrate the divide in opinions, particularly along party lines, where approximately 80% of Democrats and nearly 70% of independent voters advocate for a path to legal status. Conversely, 60% of Republican respondents favor deportation.
According to the poll statistics, the political landscape in Orange County consists of 36.4% Democrats, 34.3% Republicans, and 23.1% with no party preference. This demographic distribution is crucial for understanding the variance in results, especially considering the prevailing political climate surrounding immigration enforcement.
The timing of the poll coincided with increased immigration enforcement activities promoted by the Trump administration, particularly focused on significant deportations. During the Trump campaign, there were promises to remove over 10 million undocumented individuals, a commitment that has raised concerns among residents, especially as immigration raids had recently occurred in Anaheim and Garden Grove.
Jon Gould, the dean of UCI’s School of Social Ecology, pointed out that only 3% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the current U.S. immigration policy. This dissatisfaction underscores an urgent call from the community for reform. Support for granting legal status to undocumented immigrants is notably strong among younger residents under 35 years old, with 75% in favor, compared to only 48% of those aged 65 and older. This demographic shift reflects a changing perspective on immigration issues, likely due to more personal connections to immigrant experiences among younger voters.
As of now, Orange County is estimated to have around 236,000 undocumented immigrants, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. The escalating climate of fear surrounding immigration enforcement has led community organizers to bolster preparedness among immigrant families. Reports of increased calls regarding sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) illustrate the anxiety present in local communities.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, under Sheriff Don Barnes, maintains a stance of not enforcing federal immigration laws while still not hindering ICE operations. The department focuses on state and local violations without inquiring about individuals’ immigration status, a policy that aims to alleviate some concerns but also creates tensions regarding the collaboration with federal authorities.
California’s sanctuary laws create additional complexity by preventing local agencies from cooperating with ICE, prompting discussions among officials about their overall effectiveness. Local community members and lawmakers are considering further support for families affected by immigration enforcement. Proposals under deliberation include increasing funding for schools experiencing declining attendance due to deportation fears and establishing an independent commission to monitor immigration-related arrests.
Lawmakers are also advocating for legislation aimed at enhancing protections for immigrant families, such as mandating that federal agents identify themselves and restricting their access to sensitive locations like schools and hospitals without warrants. As the federal immigration climate continues to focus heavily on enforcement, the implications for undocumented populations remain significant.
The findings from the UC Irvine poll and the surrounding discussions signal a crucial moment for immigration reform in Orange County, with residents calling for a more humane approach to handling undocumented immigrants in light of recent policy changes and enforcement actions.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Immigration Policy Poll
- NBC Los Angeles: Sheriff Immigration Enforcement
- LA Times: Orange County Sheriff and Immigration
- Click Orlando: ICE Agreement and Advocates
- OC Register: Legislators Discuss Immigration Impact
- Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
