Here is a survey released yesterday by the German Marshall Fund of the US that looks really interesting. I wish I had time to dig into it, but maybe you do. The press release begins:
WASHINGTON, DC (November 17, 2008) – A new survey released today shows that that 50% of Americans and 47% of Europeans think immigration is more of a problem than an opportunity, but a closer look shows nuanced views of immigration and integration on both sides of the Atlantic and marked differences within Europe.
Seven years after Sept. 11, majorities on both sides of the Atlantic do not believe that immigration increases the likelihood of terrorism; only 35% of Europeans and 40% of Americans say that more immigration leads to increased risk of terrorism. On the other hand, 52% of Europeans say that immigration will increase crime in their society, and they were joined by 47% of Americans.
I had a laugh over the choice of the word “only” in the sentence about “only 40% of Americans say that more immigration leads to increased risk of terrorism.” That is much higher than I would have expected.
I’ll bet there are some very revealing numbers buried in this study.