Attitudes on Latino Immigration in North Carolina Fall 2008 Survey September 29-October 30 Prof. Daniel Riffe

The issue: Latino immigration 5% of U.S. population “foreign-born” in % “foreign-born” in % of U.S. population Latino/a by 2007 Latinos in the south: 2% in 1990 Latinos in N.C.: 1% of population in 1990 Latinos in N.C.: 4.7% in 2000 Latinos in N.C.: 7% in 2007

SURVEY QUESTIONS: In each of the areas listed, please tell me whether you think recent Latino immigrants moving to North Carolina are making the situation in the state better, worse, or not having much effect.

Question BetterWorseNot much effect The crime situation How much things cost Food, music and the arts The economy in general Taxes Social and moral values The quality of public schools Politics and government The overall quality of life

How much do you agree or disagree with a number of statements? Do you strongly agree, agree somewhat, neither agree nor disagree, disagree somewhat, or strongly disagree that:

Question Strongly agree Agree somewhat Neither agree nor disagree Disagree somewhat Strongly disagree Immigrants make the most of the economic opportunities they find Immigrants take jobs away from American citizens Immigrants today strengthen our country because of their hard work and talents Many immigrants hold low-paying jobs that no one else wants The total number of immigrants coming to America nowadays should be reduced Immigrants create a strain on social services and school systems Immigrant labor keeps prices down

Question NeverSometimesQuite often How often do you personally come in contact with immigrants who speak little or no English?

QuestionStrongly agree Agree somewhat Neither agree nor disagree Disagree somewhat Strongly disagree Immigrants are getting too demanding in their push for rights The growing number of immigrants threatens traditional American customs and values Most immigrants keep to themselves Immigrants bring crime to America Past generations of immigrants have made important contributions to America

Question Strongly agree Agree somewhat Neither agree nor disagree Disagree somewhat Strongly disagree Government should increase efforts to prevent illegal immigration If illegal immigrants obey the law they deserve to become citizens Government should increase efforts to deport illegal immigrants Government should increase efforts to help illegal immigrants become legal citizens What about illegal immigrants? Do you strongly agree, agree somewhat, neither agree nor disagree, disagree somewhat, or strongly disagree that:

QuestionYesNo Do you believe illegal immigrants should be able to receive medical care, if they can afford it, without fear of being reported to immigration authorities? Do you believe local police should check the immigration status of people they encounter during routine activities such as traffic stops? Do you believe illegal immigrants who are in the U.S. should be eligible for social services provided by state and local governments? Do you believe the children of illegal immigrants who are in the U.S. should be permitted to attend public schools? Do you believe illegal immigrants who graduate from high schools in North Carolina should be allowed to attend public colleges at in-state tuition rates?

Question Strongly agree Agree somewhat Neither agree nor disagree Disagree somewhat Strongly disagree I consider myself knowledgeable about immigration issues The government has allowed immigration to get out of control I would support increased government spending to secure our borders There’s not much people like me can do about immigration If the number of immigrants moving into my community reached a certain point, I would consider moving I support increased government spending to help immigrants adjust to living in America Immigration issues play an important role in how I vote I support increased government spending for deportation of illegal immigrants Do you strongly agree, agree somewhat, neither agree nor disagree, disagree somewhat, or strongly disagree with this statement:

QuestionVery favorably Somewhat favorably Neither favorably nor unfavorably Somewhat unfavorably Very unfavorably How would you describe the way North Carolina immigrants are treated in the news stories you see about immigrants?

QuestionToo much attention About the right amount Too little attention Do you think the amount of attention that North Carolina television news and newspapers give to immigrant issues in North Carolina is too much, too little, or about the right amount?

Diversity of survey respondents (gender, residence, age, education, employment status, race, political identification, political ideology, religion, presence of children in the home, and income). Also time spent viewing the news and reading the paper and on the Internet, and attention paid to immigration stories.

Implications for N.C. News Media? The “hostile media” perception People with strong opinions on issues perceive news media coverage—no matter how fair and balanced—as deliberately slanted against their view. People presume that news media coverage— perceived to be slanted—will influence others (“third persons”) in the biased direction.

Testing the Idea Create a statement which best summarizes strongly held beliefs: – Immigrants bring crime. – Immigration threatens traditional American customs and values. – Immigrants are becoming too demanding in their push for rights. Create a way to measure these beliefs.

Testing the Idea Measure perceived favorableness of news media coverage of immigrants and immigration. Measure perception of news media coverage on others.

The Results? Confirmed: Anti-immigrant sentiment > Perceived pro- immigration coverage > Concern that others will be affected by coverage Implications? Declining media credibility, loss of readership, etc.

Thank you! For more information, contact Prof. Daniel Riffe,