- A recent study examined how identity influences White Americans’ perceptions of immigrants, showing that while Americans generally accept immigration, Muslims are viewed less favourably, with Muslim identity playing a significant role in determining immigration preferences.
- The UK’s “Homes for Ukraine scheme,” launched in 2022, has faced criticism for potentially perpetuating a racist migration regime, as it prioritises white refugees over those from Muslim-majority regions, raising questions about the country’s post-humanitarian response and its portrayal of refugees.
A recent LSE University study by Amanda Sahar d’Urso and Tabitha Bonilla explores how identity shapes the perceptions of White Americans towards immigrants from the Middle East or the those with Muslim faith. In this pursuit, an examination of whether an individual’s racial or religious identity holds greater prominence in influencing the perception of Muslims within the collective consciousness of White Americans was made.
The study revealed that the majority of Americans exhibit a degree of acceptance towards immigration, albeit with a discernible inclination towards selecting specific categories of prospective immigrants. Notably, individuals belonging to the Muslim faith and those hailing from Middle Eastern origins emerge as cohorts that encounter relatively lesser favourably in the eyes of most Americans, concerning their desirability for potential immigration to the United States.
Furthermore, White Americans do not prefer Muslims of any race to immigrate to the United States. That is, White Muslims are no more or less preferred relative to Middle Eastern, Black, or South Asian Muslims. This suggests in the White American public, Muslim identity is one of the most salient factors in determining who should be allowed to immigrate.
As the findings suggest, typically, Americans prefer immigrants who are more educated, hold white-collar jobs, and are proficient in English. These characteristics are understood as being key to how well immigrants will assimilate into the American economy as well as American culture. While socioeconomic factors such as occupation and education are readily associated with assimilation, sociocultural factors like religion are also associated with belonging.
However, ironically, according to the U.S. Department of Education, 54% of U.S. adults 16-74 years old, about 130 million people lack proficiency in literacy and reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level. In addition, a recent Gallup study commissioned by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy indicates that deficient levels of adult literacy might be incurring a potential annual cost of up to $2.2 trillion for the United States.
Particularly noteworthy is the strong association between White American identity and the Christian faith, a linkage that often results in a less favourable stance towards Muslim immigrants. In fact, the examination made of sentiments reveals a nuanced distinction: anti-Muslim sentiments tend to surpass anti-immigrant sentiments in terms of intensity.
The UK’s ‘Homes for Ukraine scheme’ Receives Criticism for preserving a Racist Migration Regime
Launched on March 14, 2022, in the UK, the Homes for Ukraine initiative encourages homeowners to host Ukrainian refugees, offering a monthly stipend of £500. However, this endeavour has encountered notable censure, with many asserting that the government’s focus appears to lie solely on refugees possessing a complexion congruent with that of the predominant white demographic within the UK. For example, extending hospitality to Afghan, Sudanese, and Syrian refugees (primarily hailing from Muslim-majority regions) does not garner equivalent encouragement. It is imperative to acknowledge that a number of these nations have undergone severe destabilization often stemming involvement by the United Kingdom itself.
“‘Britain’s post-humanitarian response clearly maintains a racialised state, where a benevolent public narrative and minor policy changes allow both politicians and citizens to feel good about themselves, yet construct refugees as a threat and danger,’ says Lee Edwards, Professor of Strategic Communications and Public Engagement.”
