Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric Sparks Latino Ethnic Identity Assertion in Politics

This study examines how xenophobic rhetoric affects immigrant political behavior.

Context: Anti-immigrant contexts often influence native-born attitudes but their impact on immigrants themselves remains unclear.

Focusing Question: How does anti-immigrant rhetoric shape the political responses of immigrant groups?

Method & Findings: Using an experimental survey with Latino adults, this research demonstrates that exposure to xenophobic rhetoric leads to:

• Identity Salience Increase: It makes ethnic identity more prominent for high identifiers.
• Assertion Behavior: High identifiers become more likely to assert their group's positive value politically. This includes:
• Decreased political trust
• Increased ethnocentrism
• Supportive stances toward policies emphasizing ingroup pride

Low identifiers show less inclination to engage in such behaviors.

Significance: These findings clarify xenophobic rhetoric's role in amplifying the influence of ethnic identity on immigrant politics, offering insights into immigration policy debates.