The July/August edition of the AEI Political Report presents the latest polling data on two hot-button issues: the National Security Agency surveillance program, personal privacy, and civil liberties; and immigration policies and reform.

* Forty-eight percent of Americans approve of the government’s data collection of telephone and Internet data as part of antiterrorism efforts. Forty-four percent disapprove.

* Ninety percent agree that compared to previous generations, they have less privacy when it comes to their personal information.

* Sixty-two percent think it is more important for the federal government to investigate possible terrorist threats, even if that intrudes on personal privacy. Thirty-four percent think privacy is more important. Still, public concern about protecting civil liberties has grown since 9/11.

* When it comes to immigration reform, 35 percent think that a pathway to citizenship should be granted only after the border is secured. Fifty-six percent said legal status should be granted while border security is being strengthened.

* Americans simultaneously think that legal status for undocumented workers would be better for the US economy (76 percent agree) and that granting this legal status would take jobs away from US citizens (51 percent agree).