Rural Sociology Commons^™

Are Rural People More Anti-Immigrant Than Urban People? A Comparison Of Attitudes Toward Immigration In The U.S., Carlos E. Garcia, Theresa Davidson

Carlos Eduardo Garcia

Immigration to the United States has increased markedly in the past two decades, including significant growth in rural areas. Using General Social Survey data we compare rural and urban attitudes toward immigration in the United States. Our analyses reveal that, first, overall opposition is more pronounced in rural areas. Second, notions of a distinct American identity matter for urban, but not rural, residents. Third, beliefs about immigration are salient predictors in both regions. Fourth, political ideology is a determinant exclusively among rural residents, whereas political affiliation is a determinant solely among urban residents. Fifth, race and education level are significant …