Something is wrong here.

“A strong majority of Americans ‚Äî including nearly two-thirds of Republicans ‚Äî favor allowing illegal immigrants to become citizens if they pay fines, learn English and meet other requirements, a new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll has found.

That is a striking show of support for a primary element of an immigration overhaul bill that has stalled in the Senate amid conservative opposition.

Only 23% of adults surveyed opposed allowing undocumented immigrants to gain legal status. That finding bolsters the view, shared by President Bush, that the bill’s opponents represent a vocal minority whereas most people are more welcoming toward illegal immigrants.

“They are willing to take jobs that our people aren’t interested in, and I think this helps the economy,” Joseph Simpkins, a retired dry cleaner in New Jersey who participated in the survey, said in a follow-up interview. “As long as they pay taxes, I see nothing wrong with having them become citizens.”

Of course this is in sharp contrast – if not outright out of sorts with other polling data – namely Rasmussen’s poll which showed just 29 percent favored amnesty for illegals.

Combine with the fact that it is yet another “weekend” poll I question the “conservative” strength quoted.

Putting this in the clarification stack.

UPDATE: Just as I thought.