Older Republican voters are much more likely to harbor hard-line stances on immigration than are younger supporters of the party, who appear to be far more open to supporting a path toward citizenship for illegal immigrants.

Such are the findings of a recently published Public Religion Research Institute (PRPI) survey, which researchers add could signal turbulent times come general election season for either GOP front-runners Donald Trump or Ted Cruz.

Both men have called for mass deportations of some 11 million immigrants if either of them ascends to the White House, with Trump adding he would execute his plan over the first 18-months of his administration.

Trump, Cruz Both Toughen Stances

Trump has also pledged to erect a massive wall along the Mexican border to keep immigrants out, while Cruz's attempts at raising the stakes even higher has included boasts that he will not allow any of the immigrants he deports to return to the U.S.

The survey found such hardened approaches would be in stark contrast to the views held by at least 63 percent of Republicans under age 30, all of whom support a plan affording immigrants a chance of becoming legal citizens if they meet certain requirements.

In addition, only 20 percent of young GOP voters responded that they would identify and deport those same immigrants.

On the flip side, 34 percent of all Republicans topping the age of 65 favor mass deportations, and just 47 percent support a pathway toward citizenship, a figure that's down some 16 points compared to younge GOP voters.

Most Older Republicans Convinced Immigrants 'Bad for the Country'

Overall, nearly 60 percent of Republicans who identify as conservative think immigration is bad for the country, compared to 51 percent of young GOP party members who are of the opinion immigrants make the country stronger.

PRPI director of research Daniel Cox thinks he has a pulse on why GOPers' opinions seem to vary so deeply.

"This millennial generation is the most religiously and ethnically diverse generation we've ever seen," he told the Latin Post, adding that Trump and Cruz will almost certainly have to alter their message to gain the kind of widespread support they will need come November.

"Their experiences are dramatically different about what's American and how they view immigration," he added. "It cuts across parties, social and economic factors."

In addition, Cox thinks the still evolving phenomena raises major challenges for the way the Republican Party has largely presented itself as during primary season.

"Primary voters are much older and conservative than in the general election," he said. "By then, voters are much more diverse and open."

On the issue of religion, Cox adds while Trump doesn't resonate as a natural fit for evangelicals he isn't that surprised to see him doing so well with that constituency.

"He does well because for many social economic factors are driving things," he said. "He has a message that seems to be resonating with a lot of working class whites, especially during this primary season."

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