Hierarchical representation of reasons for being in favour or against immigration

The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons drawing people to be in favor or against immigration, using a method that investigates goal setting. By examining participants who were favorable to immigration (N = 141), 12 reasons were obtained, for instance: “Italy’s cultural growth,” “Cultural exchange,” “Greater tolerance,” and “Multi-ethnic society.” Unfavorable participants (N = 177) gave 11 main reasons, for instance: “Fear,” “Immigrants make trouble,” “Immigrants steal jobs from Italians,” and “Italy’s economic collapse.” The hierarchical structure of reasons showed that, for people favorable to immigration, immigrants are primarily a resource for economic and cultural growth of Italy; in contrast, people unfavorable to immigration perceive immigrants as a threat to the Italian economy and culture.