UC Berkeley

Objective: The U.S. government continues to deport large numbers of undocumented Latino immigrants. We address the likely effects of these policies on Latino partisanship. Methods: We use a survey experiment to test the effects of information about mass deportations on partisan evaluations among young second-generation Latinos. Results: Young U.S.-born Latinos view the Democratic Party as less welcoming when informed that deportations have been higher under President Obama than under his predecessor. Because most young U.S.-born Latinos are either weak partisans or political independents, there is wide scope for information effects among these potential voters. Conclusion: Mass deportation policies have the potential to reshape the partisanship and politics of Latinos for years to come.