Public Opinion on Attitudes towards Migrants

• In Event: Poster Session: New Perspectives in Political Science Research: Scholarship by Vanderbilt REU Students

Abstract

In 2023, half a million immigrants have searched for a new life in Ecuador (Cortés, 2023). Ecuador is the third largest country hosting Venezuelan migrants and is evaluating how to integrate migrants within the existing society (Cortés, 2023). The Ecuadorian government is now facing the clashing between the "native-born" and migrants. Due to the rise of anti-immigrant sentiments, there are reasons to question if populist political parties might emerge from this crisis. There has been an increase of xenophobia in a country that was once known for its hospitable people. For this research project, I analyze the factors contributing to attitudes towards Venezuelan immigrants in Ecuador, specifically looking at those who view Venezuelans as a cultural threat. I argue that at the current state of the country will reflect on people’s negative attitudes towards migrants due to the political atmosphere and economic recovery that Ecuador is undergoing. This project uses Spring 2023 survey data from Vanderbilt’s LAPOP Lab AmericasBarometer. I will focus on patriotism in Ecuador. I also compare patriotism to an individual’s economic status to see if one has a stronger correlation than the other. The rise in anti-immigrant sentiments is worrisome because of the efforts that are being put into play to guarantee a regularization process as well as the participating member states of the Quito Process. The public’s sentiment can lead to the downfall of these attempts to relieve some pressure because of changes in policies within the government and the fallout of aid from other countries.

Author

• Maria Isabel Mosquera, University of Texas at Austin