Anti-immigrant and Pro-immigrant Attitudes in the Latinx Community

• In Event: Immigrant Political Behavior

Abstract

In this paper, we are exploring variation in immigrant attitudes among the Latinx community. We hypothesize that anti-immigrant attitudes exist among Latinxs and stem from embarrassment due to norm violations committed by some members of the Latinx community, in this case, the undocumented. Specifically, we posit that those in the Latinx community who have strong anti-immigrant attitudes or are ambivalent about anti-immigrant measures or immigrant safety net proposals likely feel this way because the undocumented have not gained entry into the U.S. via legal means. We do this by randomly assigning stories regarding an immigrant from Latin American, but we randomize the subject’s citizenship status and criminal background history. We expect the variation in respondents to be mediated by one’s emotional response to the randomized vignette. Those who report feeling embarrassed or negative in any way will exhibit more anti-immigrant attitudes regarding immigrants and immigration policy. Those who report feeling empathetic or positive after being randomized to the vignette will exhibit more pro-immigrant attitudes regarding immigrant safety net measures and immigration policy enforcement.

Authors

• Vanessa Cruz Nichols, Indiana University

• Clinton Willbanks, University of Texas at Austin

• Christopher Cassella, University of Texas at Austin

• Seung Wook Ethan Yoo, University of Texas at Austin

• Roberto Carlos, University of Texas, Austin

• Miranda Sullivan

• Allison Verrilli, University of Texas, Austin