Poll: U.S., Europe view immigration differently

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Immigration anxiety has been fueling a fierce political debate in the United States, but attitudes about immigrants in this country are considerably more positive than in several European countries, AP-Ipsos polling found.
People in Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are much more inclined than those in the U.S. to think immigrants are likely to get involved in criminal activity.
"Often the immigrants come here and can't find work, they are forced to become criminals," said Leonardo Delogu, a doctor from Sardinia who was visiting Rome.
More than a third of Germans, Italians and Spaniards say they think immigrants are more likely to be involved in criminal activity than people born in their countries. A fourth in France and Britain feel that way.
Those European countries are about evenly divided on whether immigrants are a good influence. In general, people who make higher incomes and have had more education are more likely to say immigrants are a good influence.
In the U.S., about one in 10 thinks immigrants are more likely to be involved in crimes. And a majority, 52 percent, say they think immigrants are a good influence on the country.
After many years, a steady flow over the Mexican border into the United States has left about 11 million illegal immigrants or more in this country.
Lawmakers are under pressure to bring immigration under control and are trying to agree on legislation that would tighten security on the borders while deciding the legal fate of millions of people in this country illegally.
Public support of immigrants often depends on their legal status.
"In a nutshell, legal immigrants are helpful, illegals are not," said Don Bick, a home builder from Pittsburgh.
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