(Image Source: Washington Post )   BY DAN KENNEDY   A new poll shows more than 60 percent of Americans say they would support allowing illegal immigrants to eventually become U.S. citizens. “The Associated Press poll shows a major increase in the public’s views towards immigrants. In the next few weeks, President Obama is expected to push towards citizenship for the 11 million immigrants already in the country illegally.” A lot of that newfound support of immigration reform comes from Republicans . Fifty-three percent of the GOP now favors a path to citizenship... That’s up from 22 percent in 2010. “The finding comes as the Republican party looks to gain support from Hispanic voters. That demographic turned out in large numbers to help reelect President Obama in November.” Immigration was a hot topic in November’s elections as both parties courted the coveted Latino vote. CNN and WFXT point out Hispanic voters largely supported Obama this last election cycle. “The president won an overwhelming 71 percent of the Latino vote in November. It’s since become an article of faith that Republicans will agree to some kind of immigration reform this year.” “And the Dems are winning on this issue overall. 41 percent say they trust them more than Republicans when it comes to handling immigration.” According to Fox News , Mr. Obama announced last summer he would shield as many as 800,000 young immigrants from deportation as long as they were... - Currently younger than 30. -Have been in the U.S. since before turning 16. -And they would have to graduate from high school or serve in the U.S. military. And MSNBC’s Ed Schultz interpreted part of Obama’s inauguration speech to mean immigration reform is fast-approaching. “He’s issued a clear call for national resolve to realize the full potential of the dreamers and never deny a path to citizenship to those who want to pledge allegiance to our flag.” According to Politico , President Obama’s first four years in office included a record number of deportations.