Immigrant Ambivalent - Gallup poll, Americans want to see reduction in immigration - Brief Article

Brandweek,  May 14, 2001  by Becky Ebenkamp

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Coinciding with the U.S. Senate's decision to open hearings on immigration policy, Gallup has released historic polls that reveal Americans haven't ever been terribly thrilled about foreigners flooding the U.S. While there appears to be more positive than negative sentiment, over the years substantial numbers of Americans have wanted to see immigration reduced, even halted entirely.

Today, the public is about as favorably disposed toward its foreign-born compatriots as it has been during the past quarter century largely, it appears, because of relatively good economic times. Still, about four in 10 continue to hold negative views about immigrants. A Gallup poll conducted in March found that 10% believe the current level of immigration should be increased, 41% think it should remain the same and 43% want it decreased. Americans also expressed ambivalence about the effect immigrants have on the nation's culture. In the current survey, 45% said increasing diversity driven by an immigrant influx improves our cult ure, while 38% said immigrants threaten it. This view is a bit more positive than that sported by Americans in 1993, when only 35% (vs. 55%) agreed.

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