NEW YORK– A Filipino Express online poll about the legalization of illegal immigrants has revealed a rather surprising result: More Fil-Ams are saying no.
The poll that began on January 11, 2010 and ended on March 4 gathered 770 votes. 449(58.3%) of which answered no to legalization, while 295(38.3%) people were in favor. On the other hand, 26 (3.4%) people are indifferent.

Though this number is in no way representative of the whole community, it is important to note that there was no particular time during the poll that showed a different trend. All throughout the voting period, those in favor of having comprehensive immigration reform that would provide a path for illegal aliens to obtain citizenship always lagged behind those who oppose.

“This result is baffling considering that common knowledge dictates people with similar backgrounds tend to flock together and support one another,” said Dionne Gonzales a graduate school student from Queens. “ Yet here we have a group of people –Filipino immigrants–that are against the legalization of the undocumented. It’s hard to fathom.”