Association of Attitudes toward U.S. Immigration with Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Political Factors, 1996–2016

• In Event: 2384 - Section on International Migration Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 01. Attitudes Towards Immigrants

Abstract

This study investigates demographic, socioeconomic, and political factors associated with attitudes toward U.S. immigration. We analyze cross-sectional data from the 1996–2016 General Social Survey. Results from multinomial logistic models suggest that support to immigration has been increasing over time. There is no difference by sex on attitudes toward immigration. Non-whites, those between 18 and 24 years of age, and college graduates are more likely to be pro-immigration. People working on sales and office occupations, as well as on natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations are less likely to support immigration, in comparison to people in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Strong Democrats, Democrats, Independents (near Democrats), Independents, and those in other parties are more likely to be in favor of an increase on the number of immigrants, compared to strong Republicans. Strong Democrats are increasingly pro-immigration over time and strong Republicans are stable anti-immigration over time.

Authors

• Ernesto F.L. Amaral, Texas A&M University

• Guadalupe Marquez-Velarde, Texas A&M University

• Paige Mitchell, Texas A&M University