Class Year
2016
Document Type
Student Research Paper
Date of Creation
Spring 2016
Department 1
Globalization Studies
Abstract
The United States has a rich and interesting history of immigration. The country itself was created by waves of immigrants who came from across the globe. Although immigration has always existed in the U.S., the number of immigrants coming to the United States has increased during the 21st century, and as a result, a controversial debate surrounding the consequences of immigration has emerged. In this paper I examine how Americans view the debate on immigration, specifically focusing on what affects public opinion on this topic. I find that shifts in public opinion do not reflect changes in immigration patterns but rather are influenced by major events portrayed in the media such as security threats, national elections, the status of the economy, etc. Immigration is an essential part of the culture and character of the United States which is why it is important to understand how Americans view and react to this topic.
Copyright Note
This is the author's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
Recommended Citation
Belair, Elizabeth M., "Rhetoric vs Reality: Public Opinion on Immigration in the United States" (2016). Student Publications. 428.
https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/student_scholarship/428
Included in
American Politics Commons, Immigration Law Commons, Political History Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social History Commons, Social Welfare Commons, United States History Commons
Comments
Globalization Studies Senior Honors Capstone