Attitudes Toward Separating Immigrant Families at the United States–Mexico Border. Issue 1 (4th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rowatt, Wade C.; Al‐Kire, Rosemary L.; Dunn, Hilary; Leman, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Analyses of social issues and public policy. Volume 20:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2020-02-04
• Subjects: Social policy -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; 361.6105
• DOI: 10.1111/asap.12198
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1529-7489

Abstract

Abstract: The primary aims of this project were to estimate levels of agreement or opposition with immigrant family separation at the U.S.–Mexico border and to identify psychological variables that account for variability in attitudes toward immigrant family separation. In Study 1, a sample designed to be representative of Americans in the United States responded to a question about the zero‐tolerance policy that resulted in immigrant family separation. In Study 2, participants in two convenience samples completed online surveys with measures of perceived threat posed by immigrants, dehumanization, social dominance, political ideology, religiosity, and immigrant family separation. Across samples, the majority of respondents opposed separating immigrant families. Conservative political ideology was a consistent correlate of support for immigrant family separation. Dehumanization of immigrants and social dominance orientation also accounted for unique variability in support for immigrant family separation. Given the potentially harmful effects of extended parent‐child separation caused by the zero‐tolerance policy, it is important to understand the roles of dehumanization, social dominance, and ideology in attitudes toward immigration policies. Predictors of support for restrictive policies could be targets of individual or community‐level interventions designed to reduce immigrant prejudice. Directions for future research and implications for U.S. communities and policies affecting immigrants are discussed.