All immigrants are not alike: Intersectionality matters in views of immigrant groups

In two studies, we investigated how intersecting social categories shape views of immigrants in the United States. In Study 1, analyzed 310 attributes generated by 92 participants for category immigrant and 30 additional groups with (e.g. “undocumented immigrant”) reflecting various levels status. Using Meaning Extraction Method (MEM) factor analysis to examine shared meanings, identified five factors; further comparative analyses focused on first factors (Vulnerable vs. Hardworking, Drain Asset). The importance legal status judgments these was evident comparisons generic four specific intersections. An examination all 31 showed that higher were perceived as Hardworking (less Vulnerable) high national Assets (low Drain), while lower varied Vulnerability perceptions but generally thought be Drains nation rather than Assets. 2, 270 evaluated intersectional differed combinations (privileged) (marginalized) group memberships, using scales based terms 1. Participants rated privileged statuses less vulnerable more likely an asset marginalized or mixed statuses. utility a bottom-up approach assess stereotype content is discussed.