Poll: Vast Majority Oppose Driver’s Licenses For Illegal Immigrants

Last week, California became the latest – and biggest – state to pass legislation that allows driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. However, most voters strongly oppose letting illegal immigrants drive legally in their state, and nearly as many Americans — 63 percent — oppose public benefits for those who receive work permits.

In a new Rasmussen survey, 68 percent of “Likely U.S. Voters” believe illegal immigrants should not be eligible for driver’s licenses in their state, up from 63 percent measured in August of 2012, while just 22% favor allowing illegal immigrants to get licenses in their home state.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe someone brought to this country illegally when he or she was under 16 years old who has no criminal record, has graduated from high school or served in the military should be allowed to apply for a legal work permit. In an August 2012 survey, only 19 percent said they think someone like this should be deported.

Most Americans do not see the situation with illegal immigrants getting better this year. Even though 53 percent favor an immigration reform plan that gives legal status to many of those now here illegally as long as the border is really secured to prevent future illegal immigration, just 28 percent believe that such a plan is likely to be passed this year, which is a new low measured by Rasmussen.