Factors Associated With Attitudes Toward U.S. Immigration, 2004–2016

Ernesto Amaral , Texas A&M University
Paige Mitchell, Texas A&M University
Guadalupe Marquez-Velarde, Utah State University

We investigate several factors associated with attitudes toward immigration, based on the 2004–2016 General Social Survey. Results suggest that support to immigration has been increasing over time. Non-whites, those between 18–24 years of age, people with higher educational attainment, and non-Protestants are more likely to be pro-immigration. People working on blue-collar occupations are less likely to support immigration. People living in the South Atlantic region are the least likely to support an increase in immigration. People who lived in big cities or foreign countries at the age of 16 are more likely to support immigration. Republicans and conservatives have the lowest chances to support immigration. Democrats and liberals are more likely to be in favor of immigration. People with high levels of racial resentment tend to be more anti-immigration. People in counties with higher proportions of college graduates and higher proportions of immigrants are more likely to be pro-immigration.

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 Presented in Session 189. Flash Session: New and Pressing Immigration Issues