NAVIGATING PUBLIC SENTIMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF IMMIGRATION POLICY PERCEPTIONS IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES (2017-2020)

This paper examines the comparative perceptions of immigration policy in Canada and the United States from 2017 and 2020, focusing on how demographic factors such as age, sex, education, and occupation influence public attitudes. Utilizing data from the seventh wave of the World Values Survey, the study employs multinomial logistic regression models to interpret predicted probabilities. The findings reveal that women, younger individuals (18-29 years), and those with higher education levels generally exhibit more positive attitudes towards immigration policies. In contrast, older individuals (50 and over) and those in certain occupational categories, such as skilled and unskilled workers, tend to favour more restrictive policies. Canada has an overall more positive inclination towards immigration policy compared to the United States. The study underscores the importance of job availability and economic opportunities in shaping public sentiment toward immigration. By providing a nuanced understanding of these factors, the research aims to inform the development of balanced and inclusive immigration policies in both Canada and the United States. This work contributes to the broader discourse on immigration by highlighting the complex interplay of demographic variables in shaping public opinion.