A majority of Nevadans, about 59 percent according to a recent poll, favor an immigration policy that would tighten border security, penalize those who hire illegal immigrants and deport people who are in the country illegally.

The telephone poll of 625 registered voters found that most respondents believe a tough approach to immigration policy is preferable to one that would create a guest-worker program, allow those who are employed and can clear a criminal background check to
stay, and grant amnesty to those who want to become citizens.

Thirty-six percent of those surveyed preferred the amnesty approach, while 5 percent said they weren't sure.

The poll was conducted Tuesday through Thursday by Washington,
D.C.'s Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc.

The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Nevada Republicans fell more strongly in favor of the tougher immigration policy, with 79 percent opting for it.

More Democrats, at 52 percent, chose the amnesty approach.

The number of Hispanics polled and the results among them weren't available, said Brad Coker, managing partner with Mason-Dixon.

The poll also found that immigration was the fourth most important issue to survey respondents when considering their presidential votes, after the war, health care and national security/terrorism.