In signs of a world revolt against immigration, a remarkable survey of some of the most populated nations finds that an average of half polled believe there are too many immigrants in their countries and nearly as many believe the newcomers are changing culture for the worse.
And the United States isn't even at the top of those with a negative view, according to the Ipsos global poll of 17,533 in 24 nations. In fact, the U.S. is in the middle of the average, with 49 percent believing there are too many immigrants. Turkey is first, at 92 percent, followed by Italy, Russia, South Africa, Belgium, India, France, England, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Argentina, Hungary, and then the U.S.
From Ipsos on Tuesday: "A new Ipsos global poll finds that fully half (50%) of those citizens surveyed in 24 countries say there are too many immigrants in their country—and almost as many (46%) agree that immigration is causing their country to change in ways they don't like."
Immigration is an issue also in England. AP Photo
The poll was released in Canada, home to Ipsos, earlier this month.
The poll is the latest example of a world concern about immigration and highlights the ongoing debate in the United States. While in Europe the worry is over those coming in from Africa and Arab nations, in the U.S. the debate is over illegals immigrants from Latin America.
But the world seems to agree on the impact of immigration:
-- 50 percent said immigration has placed too much pressure on public services in their country.
-- 45 percent of global respondents believe immigrants have made it more difficult for their own people to get jobs in their country.
-- Only one in five say immigration has had a positive impact.
-- Just three in 10 (28%) say immigration has been good for the economy of their country.
-- Just 30 say immigrants make their country a more interesting place to live.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com .
