Social factors influencing immigration attitudes: an analysis of data from the General Social Survey

Abstract

This report partly replicates and also extends previous work exploring social factors influencing public opinion concerning immigration policy in the United States. Our findings are that college education and perceived cultural threats, especially to the English language, have the most impact upon immigration views. Other variables having some effect are political ideology, economic outlook, age, and sex. Effects of race, income, and fear of crime appear to be negligible. The findings are discussed in light of a multifactor theory of immigration opinion.