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The Immigration Deflection Problem
The above screenshot is from here:
It’s Gallup discussing survey work about the “biggest issue” in American lives. I think it’s probably important to note upfront that while I am sure Gallup tries to do an admirable job on these surveys, I bet they mostly reach out to over-educated, news-consuming middle-class people. I could be wrong there, but I doubt I am.
What’s craziest about that above chart is that immigration went from almost 0% interest in 2021 to an all-consuming issue for Republicans now, three years later.
Why would that be?
Well, it’s an easy way to stoke fears about the economy, even if it’s wrong: “Immigrants are coming for your jobs.” Most Americans who would possibly consider a Trump Presidency are not losing a job option anytime soon to an immigrant. They’re losing it to (a) ruthless executive cost-cutting or (b) automation. But robots are less of a solid enemy than Mexicans, ya know?
