A Theoretical Analysis on the 2016 Presidential Results: It’s Impact on Immigrant Perceptions of Law Enforcement Across Generations

Abstract

The rise of Trump ignited smoldering xenophobia throughout the U.S. As a result of Trump’s election, punitive and restrictive immigration policies were passed and have not been lifted. Consequently, punitive enforcement of immigrant populations has increased nationwide specifically in Texas. For instance, a significant increase in deportation, arrest, and detainment of immigrants, the reduction of humanitarian protection, random punitive immigration enforcement, and fewer opportunities for legal immigration have occurred since Trump’s presidency. Although research has observed that first-generation immigrants are more trustful and have more positive perceptions of police when compared to later generations, previous research has observed various factors influence immigrant perceptions of police. Investigation into immigrant perceptions of police during Trump’s first year in office, combined with the analysis of unexplored constructs (e.g., “the talk”) would improve our understanding of factors influencing perceptions across generations. The current study will investigate: (1) Does immigrant generation status influence fear of police during Trump’s first year in office; (2) Is the fear of police mediated through receiving “the talk”? Mediation analysis will be conducted to investigate the research questions.