New Background Check Bill Favored, Prospects in Doubt
Nearly three-quarters of Americans say that if the Senate background checks bill is reintroduced, Congress should pass it. But even gun control advocates are pessimistic about the bill’s chances.
Most Say Immigration Policy Needs Overhaul
While 73% say there should be a way for illegal immigrants already in the U.S. who meet certain requirements to stay, fewer than half (44%) favor allowing those here illegally to apply for U.S. citizenship and 25% think permanent legal status is more appropriate.
Public Undecided On New Immigration Bill
Much of the public has yet to form an opinion about the immigration bill and most Americans do not think the bill would have a major impact on the nation’s economy or security. Overall, the debate over immigration policy has drawn little public attention.
Political Blame for Flight Delays Spread Evenly
As Washington sprang into action late last week to end the furlough of federal air-traffic controllers and delays at airports across the country, the public blamed both sides for the situation.
Views of Government: Key Data Points
Public confidence of government has fallen in recent years, and many Americans favor a smaller government providing fewer services, according to Pew Research Center surveys.
Public Opinion and Marijuana: Shifting Attitudes, Events and Laws
For the first time, more Americans now favor legalizing marijuana than those who oppose it, according to a new Pew Research report. Pew Research explores events that have taken place over the last 40 years and the states’ legal actions on marijuana use.
Majority Now Supports Legalizing Marijuana
For the first time in more than four decades of polling on the issue, a majority of Americans favors legalizing the use of marijuana.
Broad Support for Keystone XL Pipeline
Two-thirds of Americans (66%) favor building the pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas.
Gun Rights vs. Gun Control
The Pew Research Center has tracked shifting public opinion on gun rights and gun control over the past 20 years. Explore our polling data to discover how demographics influence public opinion on guns.
Why Own a Gun? Protection Is Now Top Reason
Far more gun owners today than in 1999 cite protection – rather than hunting or other activities – as the main reason they own guns. Among the majority of Americans who do not have guns, safety is a major concern.
