Perception of immigrants in Latin America

Abstract

What factors are linked to holding a positive perception of immigrants in Latin America? This paper studies the presence of an empathy effect by which individuals who are themselves willing to migrate hold a more positive perception of immigrants relative to those who are not willing to migrate. Using a recent representative survey, this study finds that there is only weak evidence in favour of that effect. There is evidence, however, of a conditional empathy effect among high-trust individuals. This study also finds that individuals who (1) trust others, (2) have a positive outlook of the economic conditions of the country and the family, (3) support democracy, (4) see income distribution as fair, (5) have experience travelling abroad, and (6) are less worried about violence, tend to perceive immigrants more favourably.