Kentuckians are reportedly split on how to address the current immigration policies of the U.S., based on new survey data.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) Social Science Research Center released survey results of over 600 registered Kentucky voters, and their stance on immigration is not as important compared to the economy, jobs, international affairs and health care. According to the poll, immigration was the fifth most-important issue with 5 percent, tied with poverty and welfare. The economy was the most important issue with 29 percent, followed by 17 percent for jobs and international affairs, each. Health care ranked fourth with 12 percent.

In regards to immigration, respondents were asked what should be the main focus of U.S. immigration policy, either "halting the flow of illegal immigrants" or "deal with those that are in the U.S. illegally." The results were a statistical dead heat with 50.4 percent favoring a policy of stopping the flow of undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, 49.6 percent said U.S. policy should deal with undocumented immigrants already in the country.

As Latin Post reported, Kentuckians have a U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes. The WKU survey found most respondents narrowly favored McConnell with 45.1 percent among likely voters, while Grimes received 40.03 percent. Among millennials, between the ages of 18 and 34, however, Grimes led the poll with 46 percent to McConnell's 38 percent.

According to WKU Social Science Research Center Director Dr. Joel Turner, McConnell supporters believe that stopping the flow of undocumented immigrants into the U.S. should be a priority with 61 percent to 28 percent who would favor Grimes. The Democratic challenger received 54 percent of support from respondents who also believe U.S. policy should deal with immigrants already in the country.

"Respondents were also asked what should be done about those already in the country illegally," Turner said. "A majority did indicate support for allowing those already here to stay and become citizens as opposed to letting them stay without citizenship or be forced to leave the country."

In terms of figures, 48 percent of respondents said they support a policy for undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S. to stay in the country and become citizens. Other respondents, with 37 percent, said they oppose a policy that would allow undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. without citizenship, but 15 percent believe they should be "forced" to leave the country.

McConnell received support on two fronts: survey respondents that favored undocumented immigrants staying in the U.S. without citizenship (65 percent for McConnell to 29 percent for Grimes) and those wanting deportations (61 percent to 26 percent for Grimes). Grimes received majority support from respondents who agreed undocumented immigrants should stay in the U.S. and apply for citizen status (55 percent for Grimes to 32 percent for McConnell).

The WKU Social Science Research survey was conducted between Oct. 6 and Oct. 19 with 601 registered voters.