This paper investigates how changes in local ethnic composition affect Anglo attitudes toward immigration policy.

Context Change & Attitude Shifts

The article explores the relationship between novel demographic shifts and white citizens' views of immigrants. It adapts concepts from intergroup relations research to analyze reactions to Hispanic immigration specifically.

Data & Methods

Using national survey responses combined with census data, researchers traced how whites' policy preferences changed over time as local Hispanic populations evolved.

Key Findings

• A sudden increase in local Hispanics activated threat feelings among some white residents • Areas already diverse with Hispanics saw lessened opposition to immigration policies • The "defended neighborhoods" hypothesis provides a framework for understanding these reactions • These findings suggest complex dynamics shape public opinion on immigration • Results highlight the importance of existing ethnic contexts in mediating policy attitudes

Why It Matters

Understanding how residential context shapes responses to demographic change offers crucial insights into American political polarization and evolving concepts of descriptive representation.