In a stunning revelation, USNews.com’s international survey released on Thursday showcases a growing sentiment against mass migration, more rapidly in countries like Chile, Sweden, and Germany than even the United States.
The comprehensive study, which took into account the perspectives of 17,000 individuals from 36 countries, indicates a chilling on immigration sentiment worldwide. Cristián Doña-Reveco, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, candidly stated, “There’s a growing consensus in host countries that immigration regulations need tightening.”
Yet, in the face of such public opinion, governments, including those in the United States and the UK, continue to aggressively advocate for large-scale migration. This can partly be attributed to influential donors and investors overshadowing the concerns of everyday citizens.
The study put forward the subtly framed question: “My country should be more open to immigration.” Despite the phrasing, which could coax a pro-immigration sentiment, the United States displayed a significant drop in agreement, from 67% in 2022 to nearly 58% in 2023. The sentiment was even stronger against immigration in nations like Sweden, Germany, and notably Chile. In Chile, the acceptance rate plummeted from a staggering 70% five years ago to a mere 42.5% now, marking the largest decline among surveyed countries. One could speculate this drastic change in attitude is due to Chile’s foreign population almost doubling from 2017 to 2021.
Similarly, countries like Australia and the UK are exhibiting a discernible move towards pro-citizen policies, especially in light of the massive inflow of immigrants driven by elite agendas.
Though USNews.com’s survey originates from a collaboration with the notably pro-immigration Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, it’s worth noting that several other studies are showcasing the rising global disapproval against labor migration. The sentiment has been exacerbated in the U.S. by the Biden administration’s relocation of numerous migrants into various cities. Recent polls, such as the Reuters/Ipsos and the Siena College poll, underline this growing sentiment, with figures indicating that many view the influx as a significant problem.
Even renowned intellectuals and progressive media houses are now acknowledging the financial strain mass migration places on the common citizen. David Leonhardt from The New York Times, in a candid article published by The Atlantic, emphasized the correlation between low immigration rates in the mid-20th century and the most rapid income gains for Americans.
As the debate continues, with President Joe Biden’s administration welcoming approximately 3.5 million economic migrants in the past year, it’s clear that the global perspective on immigration is undergoing a significant transformation.
