Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-6-2026

Faculty Advisor(s)

Ann Gordon

Abstract

Illegal immigration has become one of the most politically divisive issues in the United States, with many Americans fearing its social, political, and economic effects. This paper examines possible causes of the fear of illegal immigration, specifically focusing on media consumption, employment status, and education level. Using Wave 11 of the Chapman Survey of American Fears, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults, this paper analyzes whether these variables can serve as indicators of fear of illegal immigration. Drawing on media framing theory, labor-market competition theory, and theories of education and cognitive sophistication, three hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation coefficients and cross-tabulation analysis. The findings suggest that media consumption, particularly Fox News, is the strongest predictor of fear of illegal immigration, while education also serves as a meaningful indicator. However, Employment status demonstrated little explanatory value. Overall, the findings suggest that fear of illegal immigration appears to stem more from informational influences and personal perception than from direct economic insecurity.

Comments

Presented at the Spring 2026 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

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