The political consequences of contemporary immigration

Abstract

This article synthesizes research on political outcomes associated with increasing immigration, with an emphasis on cross-national studies of European countries, where immigration is a relatively newer phenomenon compared to the United States and other traditional immigrant destinations. We begin with explanations of and research on anti-immigrant sentiment, not a political phenomenon in itself but considered an important precursor to other relevant political attitudes. Next, we review scholarship on the relationship between immigration and support for the welfare state, as well as exclusionary attitudes regarding immigrants' rights to welfare benefits. Then, we review research on immigration and political party preferences, in particular radical right parties, whose platforms often combine anti-immigration and welfare chauvinistic positions.We conclude by discussing how these processes may ultimately shape social policies, which may in turn influence immigration itself.

Support for Sick and Unemployment Benefits in Sweden: On Class, Unions, and Anti-Immigration Attitudes

“…Specifically, evidence for the "Goodbye Lenin effect" falsely assumes that regions have the same development of welfare institutions (Auspurg et al, 2019). Nevertheless, proponents can also be found in Sweden who claim that even Sweden has fallen victim to fear of immigration, and that the refugee crisis reinforced these fears (Eger and Bohman, 2016;Eger and Breznau, 2017). Although, Eger and Breznau (2017) have noted that population share of immigrants may correlates with fears and interpretations.…”

“…Although, Eger and Breznau (2017) have noted that population share of immigrants may correlates with fears and interpretations. Eger and Bohman (2016) noted that immigrant population share correlates with anti-immigration attitudes and thus population share either indirectly measures anti-immigration attitudes or proximate it.…”

Does the immigration issue divide the left’s attitudes towards social welfare? A study on public support of social benefits and services in the Nordic countries

“…Also, an insecure life situation affects the results: the more adverse the economic situation is, the more negative the attitude towards immigration becomes (Avdagic and Savage, 2019). Eger and Bohman (2016) found evidence that immigration attitude is associated with political ideology.…”

“…Our main interest is in the association of immigration attitudes and political opinions which, to our knowledge, have not been studied to date (cf. Breznau, 2018;Eger and Bohman, 2016).…”

What are Europeans’ views on migrant integration?

“…Eger and Bohman (2016[38]); Hobolt and de Vries (2016[65]); Hobolt and Tilley (2016[66]); Van Hauwaert and Van Kessel (2018[67]); Stockemer, Lentz, and Mayer (2018[68]). 23 We define a categorical variable containing five groups: individuals positioning themselves as farleft, centre-left, centre, centre-right and far-right 24.…”