The message Latinos have for politicians couldn't be clearer: immigration reform must pass before this year's midterm elections. If reform isn't passed soon, according to new polling figures, Latinos believe one group will be "most responsible" for political inaction: the GOP.

The poll, conducted by Latino Decisions for the Center for American Progress Action Fund, showed 31 percent of respondents stating immigration reform is "extremely important" for Congress and President Obama to address. Another 40 percent of Latinos said that immigration is "very important," while 18 percent said it was "somewhat important." 

Latinos are split when it comes to which political party is handling immigration policy best. Latinos "strongly disapprove" of the job performed by Republicans, at 43 percent, in comparison to the 23 percent for Democrats. Just 5 percent of Latinos "strongly approve" of the Republican effort, while 17 percent strongly approve of the progress Democrats have made.

For President Obama, 54 percent either "strongly" or "somewhat approve" of his immigration policy efforts, in contrast to 42 percent that disagree.

The real heat might be on Speaker of the House, and Republican, John Boehner. As Latino Decisions noted, Boehner is responsible for whether or not a vote on immigration reform will take place this year. The poll asked Latinos if a reform bill does not take place, if they would feel more or less favorable about the Republican Party. Seventy-four percent of Latinos polled said they would view the GOP as "somewhat less" and "much less" favorable if an immigration reform bill is not presented in the House of Representatives. Only 17 percent of Latinos would view as Republicans "much more" or "somewhat more" favorable if a bill is not voted.

Latinos are open to favoring the GOP if a bill is presented in the House: 53 percent said they would potentially view Republicans in favorable light; 33 percent said they would maintain a less favorable view.

"It's now or never for Republicans and immigration reform," Latino Decisions stated. "Immigration is a gateway issue for Latino voters and Republicans have a chance to demonstrate leadership on this issue. If Speaker Boehner prevents a vote on immigration reform, the poll suggests the GOP will do even worse in 2014 and 2016 than the low for Gov. Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election."

Despite the negative figures for the GOP, 49 percent of Latinos revealed they have voted for a Republican candidate in local, state, or national elections.

Latino Decisions, in keeping anonymity, asked surveyors if they know somebody who is an undocumented immigrant. The poll showed 62 percent know an undocumented immigrant while 33 percent did not. In regards to knowing a person who has encountered detention or deportation due to immigration reasons, 65 percent noted to not knowing anyone with a problem but 32 percent did know of someone.

The Latino Decisions poll was conducted between May 16 and May 23 with 800 people participating. The margin of error is 3.4 percent.

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