Business and agriculture leaders in the state are touting new poll results showing 66 percent of likely Arkansas voters favor granting legal status of some kind to immigrants living illegally in the U.S.
The poll's release is part of a national day of action today in favor of immigration reform.
The poll was conducted in 26 states by the conservative polling group Harper Polling.
Speaking during a telephone press conference, Marvin Childers of the Poultry Federation noted an overwhelming number of Arkansans said the immigration system is in need of fixing.
"Not only do 88 percent of the people think it needs to be fixed. 83 percent of the people think it needs to be fixed this year. It's an immediate issue," said Childers.
Meanwhile, Randy Zook with the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce said immigration reform is needed because too many businesses are unable to find willing candidates to do work.
"Bottom line here is the people are ready for some action. We just have to get the political class to step into it," said Zook.
He added the latest immigration crisis with tens of thousands of migrant children from central America illegally entering the U.S. in the past nine months illustrates the immediacy of the problem and the need to revamp the system.
