The effects of dehumanizing language on public opinion toward federal and “for-profit” immigrant detention

Abstract

ABSTRACT Both the “for-profit” nature and dehumanizing conditions of immigration detention centers has ignited an intense public debate on the use of immigration detention centers. Although prior research indicates that the framing of public policies can significantly shape public opinion, it is unclear how the “for-profit” nature of immigration detention centers, and the use of dehumanizing language, shapes public support for these facilities. This study employs a survey experiment testing the role of various dehumanizing frames on public support for “for-profit” immigration detention as well as the difference in support when detention centers are owned and operated by the federal government. The results show that the public appears more opposed to “for-profit” detention relative to public facilities. Opposition to the privatization of detention is associated with negative beliefs about big business and a desire for stealth democracy. We further show that support for “for-profit” detention centers increases in the face of dehumanizing language toward immigrants, but only among respondents exhibiting racial prejudice toward Latinos.