Abstract
Most studies of immigration attitudes assume that natives overwhelmingly welcome highly skilled immigrants. We argue that this assumption, which commonly focuses on the economic benefits of skills, is problematic for two reasons. First, it neglects the incentives and conditions that countries need to offer to win in the global competition for talent. Second, natives use different moral principles to evaluate highly skilled and low-skill immigrants.
Based on 54 in-depth interviews conducted in Hong Kong, as well as an original survey of more than 2400 Hong Kong citizens, we show that public support for highly skilled immigration is heavily driven by loyalty and egalitarian concerns. Specifically, natives reject highly skilled immigrants when they perceive the immigrants as opportunists taking short-term or unfair advantages of the host economy. These perceptions are shaped by trust (-0.42***), preferences for equality (0.11**), and, at the macro level, immigration policies.
Our results call for greater attention to the distinct nature of public opinion about highly skilled immigration and possible opinion backlashes against highly skilled immigration as global talent competition intensifies.
Our paper also addresses a key theme of this year's conference because it illustrates how concerns about rights and responsibilities shape attitudes toward immigrants. Even in the case of highly skilled immigration, natives are concerned about the contribution of immigrants and their commitment to the host nation's development.
Based on 54 in-depth interviews conducted in Hong Kong, as well as an original survey of more than 2400 Hong Kong citizens, we show that public support for highly skilled immigration is heavily driven by loyalty and egalitarian concerns. Specifically, natives reject highly skilled immigrants when they perceive the immigrants as opportunists taking short-term or unfair advantages of the host economy. These perceptions are shaped by trust (-0.42***), preferences for equality (0.11**), and, at the macro level, immigration policies.
Our results call for greater attention to the distinct nature of public opinion about highly skilled immigration and possible opinion backlashes against highly skilled immigration as global talent competition intensifies.
Our paper also addresses a key theme of this year's conference because it illustrates how concerns about rights and responsibilities shape attitudes toward immigrants. Even in the case of highly skilled immigration, natives are concerned about the contribution of immigrants and their commitment to the host nation's development.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 31 Aug 2023 |
| Event | 119th American Political Science Association Annual Meeting 2023 - Los Angeles, United States Duration: 31 Aug 2023 → 3 Sept 2023 https://connect.apsanet.org/apsa2023/ https://www.apsanet.org/Portals/54/annualmeeting/APSA_2023_Annual%20Meeting_Program_2_.pdf?ver=fRsI8tmLMPmm0AWXxqoqKA%3d%3d |
Conference
| Conference | 119th American Political Science Association Annual Meeting 2023 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Los Angeles |
| Period | 31/08/23 → 3/09/23 |
| Internet address |
