Immigration is arising as a hot-button issue in this year’s presidential race. With around 12 million people living illegally in the U.S., candidates are finding it difficult to skirt the topic. Republicans are increasingly towing a hard line, while Democrats have their hands in various reform plans. What did YOU have to say about immigration? Results from a nationally representative poll by YouGov/Polimetrix for the Economist reveal popular concern surrounding both legal and illegal immigrants in the United States.

The plurality of respondents (38%) felt very strongly that immigrants threaten traditional American values and customs. Republicans were most likely (52%) to feel this way.

Do you agree or disagree that high levels of immigration threaten traditional American values?

A slight majority (53%) felt strongly that allowing immigrants to cross our borders compromises national security. Again, Republicans were most likely (69%) to be concerned.

Do you agree or disagree that allowing immigrants to cross our borders compromises our national security?

Respondents were more polarized on the issue of whether immigration helps or harms American workers, and were ambivalent toward immigration's effect on consumers.

Who do you think is helped or harmed by immigration?

Skilled workers

Unskilled workers

Consumers