The Intersectionality of Muslim and MENA Identity on the Politics of Belonging

• In Event: Re-Examining Racial Assumptions: MENA Identity & Expanding Race-Based Theory

Abstract

How do white Americans understand the politics of belonging in the United States? This is important for how we understand the connection between attitudes toward migrants, the racialization of migrant groups, and their belonging in the US. Research has shown Americans are more accepting of immigrants with higher levels of education, white-collar jobs, and English proficiency. These characteristics provide a signal of how well immigrants may be able to contribute to the economy, as well as how easily they can assimilate into America. Most often, religion or country of origin does not systematically play a key role in the evaluations of immigrants. However, these analyses do not consider the intersectionality of racial and religious identity and the role that plays in the evaluation of immigrants.

We argue the intersection of religion and country of origin plays a key role in evaluations of immigrant belonging. We specifically look at the intersection of Muslim and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) identities. Using a conjoint experimental design, we find white Americans are less willing to award green cards to immigrants who are both Muslim and from a MENA country. This not only suggests that a Muslim MENA identity is distinct from a purely Muslim or MENA identity on its own, but that considering intersectional identities when researching the politics of belonging will give us a fuller understanding of who is likely to be included and who left out.

Authors

• Amanda Sahar d'Urso, Northwestern University

• Tabitha Bonilla, Northwestern University

• Lauren Marie Baker, Northwestern University