UCLA

As attention on undocumented immigration from Latin America continues to increase in the U.S., the conflation of Latinos (as an ethnic group) and undocumented immigrants may play an essential role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of Latino-Americans (i.e., Latinos who are citizens or legal residents). The conflation of the two groups can be a source of both symbolic and realistic threats. As a symbolic threat (represented by Latino-Undocumented association beliefs), the conflation of the two groups can lead to concerns for Latino-Americans about how their ethnic group is viewed by the general public. As a realistic threat (measured by perceived linked fate with undocumented immigrants), Latino-Americans may come to believe that they are personally vulnerable to actions taken against undocumented immigrants. Moreover, anger on behalf of undocumented immigrants and fear about future risks to themselves may help explain the effects of both threats on Latino-Americans’ attitudes and behaviors. Across three studies, I find evidence that the conflation of both groups increases Latino-Americans’ willingness to mobilize politically for a pathway to citizenship policies and increases how much they identify with undocumented immigrants. Furthermore, the conflation of the two groups may harm Latino-Americans by decreasing their feelings of belonging in America. These effects appear to be mediated by both feelings of anger and fear. The present findings suggest that, although the conflation of the two groups may increase doubts about their place in America, it may motivate Latino-Americans to seek social change.