Public Views of Illegal Migration Policy and Control Strategies: A Test of the Core Hypotheses

• NCJ Number: 228049
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2009 Pages: 317-327
• Author(s): Kevin Buckler; Marc L. Swatt; Patti Salinas
• Date Published: August 2009
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study used public opinion data from a 2006 study conducted by the Pew Research Center in order to test seven core hypotheses generated by prior research in explaining variation in public support for cracking down on illegal migration into the United States (economic threat, cultural threat, ethnic affect, core values, cultural affinity, contact, and group threat).

Abstract

The findings suggest that cultural affinity has a strong impact on public support for enhanced control of illegal migration. The cultural affinity hypothesis posits that individuals who have close cultural and ethnic ties with their nation of origin are less likely to support policies that would prevent or reduce the flow of illegal migrants into the United States. There is evidence of an increasing convergence of support among Hispanics in the United States for equality of opportunity and just treatment for illegal Hispanic migrants. Regarding the growing opposition to illegal migration, the study found support for the economic threat, cultural threat, ethnic affect, and core values hypotheses. Individuals who believe migrants pose a threat to the economic vitality of the United States support enhanced control to counter illegal migrants. Individuals who hold strong individualistic values will also likely support enhanced control of illegal migration. These two findings have important implications for the criminal justice system. The growing number of individuals who make a connection between illegal migration and current economic difficulties will likely call for greater justice system involvement in addressing illegal migration. The survey from which the study data were taken was conducted between February 8, 2006, and March 7, 2006. Each dependent variable measured a distinct aspect of public views toward the control of illegal migration. Independent variables measured factors pertinent to each of the seven hypotheses being tested. 4 tables, 7 notes, and 60 references