A new study shows many Wisconsinites oppose giving illegal immigrants access to certain state benefits.
The survey from the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute found 76-percent of state residents oppose allowing illegal immigrants to obtain a state drivers license, with 19-percent in favor. It also shows 86-percent oppose discounted in-state tuition for those individuals and only 11-percent in favor. However, 46-percent of respondents were both for and against allowing illegal immigrant children to attend public schools.
Institute President Jim Miller says the main difference in the three issues is that two apply to mainly adult oriented services while the third applies to children. He says many people see the difference between adult and children when it comes to essential services.
Miller says the questions they asked were focused on areas that are likely to be key issues in the immigration debate. He says they wanted to see how Wisconsinites felt about issues dealing with illegal immigrants and access to state benefits.
The survey results are based on the responses of 600 Wisconsin residents.