Reciprocity and Competition in Migration Public Opinion

• In Event: Elites, Media, and Immigration Opinion

Abstract

Unrealized international tourism and educational migration due to visa restrictions impose significant economic and human costs. Yet, it is still unclear what voters know and think about these regulations. Our research addresses this issue by descriptively measuring and experimentally influencing public support for tourist and educational visas using large online surveys in the US and Germany. Building on the rich literature in international relations, we argue that the public’s perceptions of international reciprocity and competition are crucial in shaping their support for freer tourism and educational migration. In our first 2x2 information survey experiment, we inform the public about the tradeoffs of travel restrictions on foreign citizens and the reciprocal dynamics where some countries mutually agree on imposing or lifting visa requirements. In our second 2x2 experiment, we inform the public about student visa restrictions and the competitive dynamics where some countries are more successful at attracting international talent by lifting restrictions. The results show that informing participants about the reciprocal and competitive impacts of relaxed visa policies leads to a notable increase in support for liberal visa regimes in both countries. These findings offer insights to policymakers in guiding visa policy decisions and stimulating a more informed public debate.

Authors

• Alexander Kustov, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

• Michelangelo Landgrave, University of Colorado