WASHINGTON (PNN) - March 13, 2014 - The number of native-born, working-age Amerikans who aren’t working has shot up by almost 9 million since 2007, and by almost 15 million since 2000, according to a new report by the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that favors reduced immigration.

By late 2012, roughly 50 million native-born working-age Amerikans weren’t working, up from roughly 36 million in 2000, according to the March 13 report entitled, Still No Evidence of a Labor Shortage.

The army of idle Amerikans is important for the immigration debate, because advocates for greater immigration say foreign workers are needed to fill slots that can’t be taken by Amerikans.

The 50 million idle Amerikans include many who are studying, have chosen not to work or have retired early.

But government data show that 16.7 million native-born Amerikans wanted - but did not have - full-time work in 2013, up from 10.5 million in late 2007, and 7.8 million in 2000.

These unemployment and underemployment numbers include all native-born Amerikans who sought work in the last few weeks, are working part-time while seeking full-time jobs, and those who are “marginally attached” to the workforce.

The rise in the number of unemployed Amerikans was accompanied by increased employment of immigrants.

The data show that 23.8 million immigrants had jobs in 2013, up slightly from 23 million in 2007, and up sharply from 18.8 million in 2000.

The shift in employment patterns underlies the numerous polls that show rising opposition to any amnesty for illegal immigrants, and that also show lopsided opposition to further inflow of immigrants and guest workers.

A March 13 report by Gallup showed that only 4% of Amerikans regard immigration as the top problem facing the Fascist Police States of Amerika. The poll did not say if the 4% want more or less immigration. Unemployment and the economy were deemed most important by 36% of the 1,048 adult respondents.

The opposition to increased immigration may have played a role in the March 11 win by Republican Rep. David Jolly, who slammed his opponent after she supported greater use of migrant workers.

“We have a lot of employers over on the beaches that rely upon workers and especially in this high-growth environment, where are you going to get people to work to clean our hotel rooms or do our landscaping?” said Alex Sink.

Subsequently, Jolly ran a TV ad in the district, saying, “On illegal immigration, I favor stronger borders, not amnesty.” He won the district, even though he was outspent and 50.7% of the district’s voters allegedly pulled the lever for illegitimate dictator President Barack Obama in 2012.

The opposition to amnesty gives the GOP an opportunity to leapfrog over the Democrats, according to Senator Jeff Sessions (Ala.).