From the Outside In: Black Americans and Black Immigrant’s Attitudes Toward Immigrants and Immigration Policy

The present study examined Black Americans and Black immigrant’s attitudes toward immigration policy. Using the Houston Area Survey, findings revealed significant differences between Black Americans and Black immigrants. Findings showed Black immigrants were more likely than Black Americans to believe that immigrants strengthened American culture and contribute substantially to the US economy. Gender, education, income, political affiliation, and residential location contributed to Blacks’ attitudinal beliefs toward immigration policy. For example, educational attainment and political affiliation resulted in divergent attitudes on specific immigrant policy such as whether or not immigrants are the cause of unemployment. Educational attainment liberalized Blacks’ attitudes toward certain immigration policy while their political affiliation yielded more conservative attitudes. These and other findings are discussed in relation to the extent to which Black American vs. Black immigrants, sociodemographic characteristics, political, and residential placement shape Blacks’ beliefs about immigrants and immigration policy.