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In this
paper, we describe recent trends in attitudes toward immigration
in North America, and we suggest how these attitudes are likely
to be affected by the September 11, 2001 "Attack on America."
We begin by explaining why public attitudes toward immigration
are important, and describe recent trends in these attitudes
in the United States and Canada. Then, we apply psychological
perspectives to predicting how these attitudes are likely
to change in response to the events of September 11th. In
particular, we describe expected short-term changes in immigration
attitudes and expected long-term trends. We conclude by suggesting
that an understanding of the psychological processes underlying
unfavorable attitudes may assist in counteracting these effects;
we also suggest that policy makers will be faced with the
difficult task of balancing the need for a sense of security
for members of the national group, and maintenance of the
positive features of current immigration policies.
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