Can political speech foster tolerance of immigrants?

Abstract Politicians frequently use political speech to foster hostility toward immigrants, a strategy that shapes preferences and behavior feeds the success of populist right. Whether can be used tolerance however, remains unexplored. We identify three mechanisms by which could increase tolerance: (1) stressing in-group conceptions highlight commonalities with immigrants; (2) emphasizing inclusiveness as an norm; (3) providing information counters anti-immigrant stereotypes. Using quotes from US politicians in two survey experiments, we find pro-immigrant stresses inclusive norms or negative stereotypes about immigrants leads more tolerant attitudes (but not behavior) immigrants. These effects are small detectable only large samples.