Poll: Many say let illegal immigrants stay in US

Updated: Wed 4:04 AM, Jan 23, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) - A new Associated Press-GfK poll has found that more than 60 percent of Americans now favor allowing a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country.

That's a significantly higher number than last time the AP polled on the question, in 2010, when just 50 percent supported the idea.

The turnaround has been driven by Republicans changing their views. A majority in the GOP - 53 percent - now favor allowing illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. That's up 22 percentage points from 2010.

The findings come amid Republican soul-searching about how to broaden the party's appeal to Latino voters. And they come as President Barack Obama prepares to push immigration legislation.

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