The 11.7 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S have found that roughly two-thirds of Americans are in favor of them acquiring citizenship (54 percent) or remaining the U.S. legally without citizenship (12 percent), according to a recent CBS News poll. Three-in-four Democrats (74 percent) and slightly more than half of Republicans (52 percent) support unauthorized immigrants being extended, leading to legal status.

Pew Research conducted surveys last June during immigration debates which showcased the support for undocumented individuals remaining in the U.S. The three surveys were administered prior to the Senate passing a bill that would institute a pathway to full citizenship. Seven-in-ten (71 percent) U.S. adults, on average, stated that they believed that immigrants should gain some form of legal status: supported by 61% of Republican, 69 percent of independents and 80 percent of Democrats. And, while both parties approved of legislation that would increase border security, a majority of Republicans believe that border control must be established before immigrants can apply for legal status, also a greater share of Republicans believe that granting legal status to millions would encourage more undocumented individuals to relocate to the U.S. -- putting a strain on resources.

House Speaker John A. Boehner proposed a set of immigration reform strategies that included establishing legal status for the 11 million+ unauthorized individuals dwelling in the U.S. The proposal was one that was partly accepted by the White House, which deports more than 1100 individuals per day -- resulting in an unprecedented two million under a single president's administration. Boehner's own party responded to his proposal with displeasure -- and the plan has deeply divided the House's 218 Republicans, who've failed to unify over a strategy. The mixed reception is perhaps why Boehner has been reluctant to press ahead with assurances regarding immigration reform. In reaction to this, immigrant activist groups have launched campaigns threatening to unseat House Republicans.

"From now on, any lawmaker who does not support comprehensive immigration reform should expect relentless and constant confrontations that will escalate until they agree to support immigration reform," Kica Matos, spokeswoman for the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, told reporters in a recent phone conference.