Immigration top issue for U.S. voters, economy a close second: Reuters/Ipsos poll
(Reuters) – Immigration tops the economy and healthcare as the most important issue determining Americans’ vote ahead of the midterm elections in November, a new Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll shows.
Reuters/Ipsos data shows that immigration became a top concern for registered voters in the United States after the Trump administration in May announced its “zero tolerance” policy on illegal immigrants, saying they would be criminally charged. The policy became a political lightning rod in mid-June with disclosures that thousands of children were separated from their parents who were accused of crossing illegally into the country.
The poll, conducted between June 28 and July 2, found:
– Fifteen percent of U.S. registered voters said immigration was the top issue determining how they will cast their ballot in November, while 14 percent said the economy was their biggest concern.
– Twenty-six percent of registered Republicans cited immigration as the most important issue likely to determine their vote, up 14 percentage points from a similar poll conducted at the beginning of June.
DNA tests are in the works for separated migrant children and parents
(CNN)Whether this practice is beneficial or unethical depends on who you ask.
DNA tests are being performed on children and parents in an attempt to reunite migrant families separated at the US border, said a federal official with knowledge of the reunifications.
“The safety and security is paramount, and it is not uncommon for children to be trafficked or smuggled by those claiming to be parents,” the official said.
“To our knowledge, this is a cheek swab and is being done to expedite parental verification and ensuring reunification with verified parents due to child welfare concerns.”
The source could not discuss how long the practice has been taking place, if the testing requires consent or if the DNA is stored in a database.