The President’s Job Approval has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded by Rasmussen Reports. Just 34% of American adults now Approve of the way that George W. Bush is performing his duties as President (http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/polling_methodology_job_approval_ratings http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/polling_methodology_job_approval_ratings blocked::http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_cont" target="_self">see comments on comparing Approval Ratings from different polling firms). Just 71% of Republicans now offer their approval. His support among men has fallen to 35%.

The President’s ratings have tumbled each time immigration reform dominates the news. While the President advocates a “comprehensive” reform focused primarily on legalizing the status of illegal aliens, our most recent survey shows that most voters favor an enforcement first policy. Last year, following a nationally televised Presidential Address on immigration, just 39% of Americans agreed with the President’s position.

Most politicians and DC pundits continue to misunderstand the immigration issue. One article today suggests that Republicans oppose “an open, immigrant-friendly society.” In fact, polling consistently shows that most Republicans favor an open and welcoming immigration policy that welcomes all except national security threats, criminals, and those coming to live off the US welfare system. The last time we polled on that question, Republicans favored such a policy by a 56% to 30%. Numbers for Democrats were essentially the same (54% to 29%).

While favoring an immigrant-friendly society, most Americans also favor a society in which the laws are observed by everyone. By a 3-to-1 margin, voters say it doesn’t make sense to consider additional laws until the government first gains control of the borders and enforces existing laws.

Earlier surveys on immigration have found support for building a barrier along the Mexican border and positive attitudes towards citizen patrols along the border. Another survey found that most Americans consider current immigration laws a threat to both national security and the economy. Three-fourths of all Americans believe it is too easy for people from other countries to enter the United States.

Of course, the President’s Job Approval was already low before the immigration issue hit the news. Confidence is also low when it comes to the overall War on Terror. Most Americans believe that history will judge the U.S. mission in Iraq a failure.