Political Position Immigrant Attitudes to Other Immigrants in Chile

• In Event: 20266 - Right-Wing Politics, Mobilities, and Immigrant Conservatism (Co-sponsored by Section on Political Sociology)

Abstract

This presentation investigates the nuanced dynamics of immigrant attitudes toward other immigrants in Chile, drawing on data from two waves of the Servicio Jesuita para Migrantes’ “Immigrant Voices” surveys (2019 and 2022). Building on previous research by Doña‐Reveco and Gouveia (2022), which uncovered xenophobic tendencies among Venezuelan immigrants, the study explores how political positioning, country of origin, and arrival period shape these perceptions. Chile’s evolution into an immigration destination—marked by a dramatic increase in immigrant populations following the 2017 Census and significant demographic shifts among Venezuelan and Haitian communities—provides a critical context for this analysis. Utilizing regression models, the research examines traditional determinants of migration attitudes and reveals that political affiliation is significantly associated with views on immigrant numbers and support for restrictive policies. The findings not only illuminate the complexities within immigrant communities themselves but also contribute to broader debates on immigrant rights, including the constitutional debate over voting rights. Overall, this study underscores the importance of accounting for intra-immigrant perspectives in the formulation of inclusive and effective immigration policies.

Author

• Cristian Alberto Doña Reveco, University of Nebraska-Omaha