Voters are unaware or disagree with presidential candidates positions on immigration

A poll using careful language to maintain impartiality has found that those who voted in a primary or caucus were very unaware of the candidates’ immigration positions. The poll also showed that the voters often do not share their candidate's position.

• Although all three candidates favor amnesty for illegal immigrants, only 34 percent of McCain voters, 42 percent of Clinton voters, and 52 percent of Obama voters correctly identified their candidate's position.

• Of McCain voters, 35 percent incorrectly thought he favors enforcement that would cause illegals to return home, another 10 percent thought he wants mass deportations, and 21 percent didn’t know his position.

• Only 31 percent of McCain voters had the same immigration position as he does. For Clinton voters, 45 percent shared her position; 61 percent of Obama voters shared his position.

• Whoever wins the presidency will face significant opposition to giving amnesty and eventual citizenship to illegal immigrants.

• Just 25 percent of Republican and 50 percent of Democratic primary/caucus voters said they would support such an effort.

The survey of 1,276 persons who had voted in a primary or caucus was conducted March 12-13 by Pulse Opinion Research.