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Illegal Immigration and Media Exposure: Evidence on Individual Attitudes

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Facchini

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Università degli Studi di Milano, CEPR, LdA and CES-Ifo)

  • Anna Maria Mayda

    (Georgetown University, CEPR, IZA, CReAM and LdA)

  • Riccardo Puglisi

    (ECARES, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Università degli Studi di Pavia and LdA)

Abstract

Illegal immigration has been the focus of much debate in receiving countries, but little is known about what drives individual attitudes towards illegal immigrants. To study this question, we use the CCES survey, which was carried out in 2006 in the United States. We find evidence that - in addition to standard labor market and welfare state considerations - media exposure is significantly correlated with public opinion on illegal immigration. Controlling for education, income and ideology, individuals watching Fox News are 9 percentage points more likely than CBS viewers to oppose the legalization of undocumented immigrants. We find an effect of the same size and direction for CNN viewers, whereas individuals watching PBS are instead more likely to support legalization. Ideological self-selection into different news programs plays an important role, but cannot entirely explain the correlation between media exposure and attitudes about illegal immigration.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Facchini & Anna Maria Mayda & Riccardo Puglisi, 2009. "Illegal Immigration and Media Exposure: Evidence on Individual Attitudes," Development Working Papers 285, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano.
    • Handle: RePEc:csl:devewp:285
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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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