Immigration Reform. Democrats are for it and Republicans are against it. Right? Well, maybe that's not correct. According to a recent poll, administered by the Partnership for a New American Economy, Americans for Tax Reform, and the Tea Party Express, Tea Party voters want immigration reform, too.

Specifically, the survey polled 400 Republican Primary voters who consider themselves to be part of the Tea Party and came up with the following results:

(1) Voters want to see Congress make a decision on immigration reform in 2014: 71% of those surveyed said it “is important that Congress act on immigration reform this year.” This number includes 69% who “strongly identify with the Tea Party and 71% who identify as conservative Republicans.”

(2) Voters support a plan that corresponds with Speaker John Boehner's standards: According to the results of the survey, 76% of voters would support a plan that includes “improved border security and enforcement” along with a program that would allow undocumented immigrants who are already in the United States to stay in the country if penalties and back taxes are paid, a criminal background check is done, and they learn American civics and English. This 76% included 73% who “strongly identify with the Tea Party and 76% who identify as conservative Republicans.”

(3) These voters want to find a way for undocumented immigrants to attain legal status or U.S. citizenship: The survey found that 70% of those polled actually support a plan which would provide legal status or U.S. citizenship for those considered to be undocumented immigrants and who would pay penalties and back taxes, pass a criminal background check, and learn American civics and English. This percentage includes “67% who strongly identify with the Tea Party and 70% who identify as conservative Republicans.”

(4) Voters would elect a candidate who supports broad reform: Of those polled, 69% say they would vote for a candidate who supports broad immigration reform, versus one who only supports border security. This includes “64% who strongly identify with who strongly identify with the Tea Party and 69% who identify as conservative Republicans.”

The topic of immigration reform is not black and white. There are a lot of variables that a person must consider when thinking about reform, enforcement, and new policy. These concerns must be given considerable thought and careful deliberation must be done in order to come up with appropriate legislation.

One important factor that often gets overlooked is how immigration reform will impact the economy. This includes economies at the local, state, and national level. Studies have shown that if those currently living in the U.S. without documentation would be permitted to lawfully work in the country, there would be an increase in small business creation. This would subsequently create more jobs for others, citizens and non-citizens, who would be employed at these businesses.

Does this survey and its results surprise you? Are there other aspects of the immigration reform debate that have helped influence your view one way or the other?