ABSTRACT
Prior to 2001, scholars interested in studying public opinion about immigration policy were largely confi ned to analyzing the question of whether the number of immigrants allowed into the country should be increased, decreased, or kept the same. Since 1965, Gallup has asked, “In your view, should immigration be kept at its present level, increased, or decreased?” Other surveys, such as the General Social Survey and the National Election Study (NES), have asked similar versions of this question.1 Research on attitudes on this type of question shows that sociotropic economic concerns, attitudes toward immigrants, education, ideology, and neighborhood context often shape policy preferences. Pocketbook issues, such as unemployment or income, tend not to matter (Espenshade and Hempstead 1996; Citrin et al. 1997; Hood and Morris 1997, 1998; Fetzer 2000; Schildkraut 2005).
