THE DIXIE DIASPORA: ATTITUDES TOWARD IMMIGRANTS IN GEORGIA

Abstract

Few contemporary topics elicit more opposing responses than immigration. Within the state of Georgia, the number of immigrants, particularly Latinos, entering the labor force dramatically increased in the 1990s, creating a new racial composition in both urban and rural counties. These immigrants communicate in languages and behave in ways quite different from those of native Georgians. Frequently, immigrants must also compete with the U.S.-born for limited political, social, and economic resources. This study poses these questions: Who among Georgia's residents are more likely to respond positively to these new immigrants, and who are more likely to respond negatively?