Economic Threat Perception Shapes Global Attitudes Toward Immigrants

### 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