### Introduction
This article investigates the drivers behind attitudes toward immigrants across eleven countries on four continents through a comparative experimental design. Using over 18,000 interviews, it tests two prominent theories: Sociotropic Economic Threat and Labor Market Competition.
### Experimental Manipulation
Respondents were exposed to short vignettes varying in three dimensions:
- Occupational Status: Higher vs lower skill level immigrants
- Skin Tone: Effect on preference across different shades
- National Origin: Focus specifically on Muslim-majority countries
### Key Findings
The results align most closely with the Sociotropic Economic Threat thesis:
- Skill Preference Dominates: In all countries, higher-skilled immigrants were preferred regardless of native socio-economic status (SES)
- Origin Matters Less Than Thought: While Muslim origin did reduce support, this effect didn't vary significantly based on SES level
- Skin Tone Minimal Impact: There was little to no effect from manipulating skin tone alone
### Significance for Political Science Research
These findings demonstrate the continued power of racial animus in shaping immigration attitudes. Most importantly, they reveal a universal preference for skilled immigrants worldwide despite cultural and economic diversity.
### What This Means
This research suggests policymakers should focus on:
- Economic Integration: Addressing perceptions of economic threat through effective integration policies
- Managing Stereotypes: Recognizing the consistent pull factors driving immigration attitudes across diverse societies
