By Alabama Public Radio
Auburn, AL – A new poll says that more than half of Alabamians surveyed think that immigrant workers are taking jobs away from Americans but don't bring any needed skills into the country. The random telephone poll of more than 1,000 voting-age Alabama residents was conducted by the Center for Governmental Services at Auburn University. It shows that 57 percent of respondents agree that immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans. Also, 55 percent disagreed when asked if immigrants brought needed skills to the state. The survey did not differentiate between illegal and legal immigrants. Meanwhile, 10 percent of survey respondents said they have noticed immigrants making positive contributions to their area, but 42 percent also blame them for community-wide problems like petty crime, housing violations and litter. The survey also found that 56 percent of Alabamians believe that the state should not provide social welfare assistance to immigrants.