Survey of life along the border includes El Paso and Juarez

For the first time in 15 years, a new poll takes a comprehensive look at life along both sides of the U.S./Mexico border.

The questions focused on local opinions of the economy, border security and the the idea of building a wall between the two countries.

The poll was conducted by the Cronkite News, Univision and the Dallas Morning News surveyed nearly 1,500 people in 14 cities along the along the border, including El Paso and Juarez.

On the border wall issue, the poll shows 86% of border residents in Mexico and 72% on the U.S. Side of the border are against building a wall between the two countries.

In a video clip showcasing the survey, El Paso Congressman Beto O’rourke is heard saying, “This wall makes sense if you are not from here.” The Congressman goes on to say, “If you have never been here, if you are scared of Mexico or Mexicans, it seems like a good emotional response to that fear.”

Former ABC-7 Border Reporter Angela Kocherga now works at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Kocherga says Mexicans and Americans along the border agree that security is a big concern. “I think some people perceive the border as a dangerous no man’s land. Of course, we know that’s not true,” said Kocherga. “It’s a vibrant economically important region where they are very close economic, family blood ties and friendship and trade and people going back and forth.”

Tell us how you feel about the poll on the KVIA ABC-7 Facebook page or tweet @abc7breaking.

To read the survey and the results for yourself, click here.