

Making Immigration Popular ft. Alexander Kustov
10 snips May 13, 2025
Alexander Kustov, author of 'In Our Interest', joins to tackle the pressing issue of immigration unpopularity. He discusses strategies to align public support with equitable immigration systems. Kustov contrasts Canada and the U.S. immigration approaches, revealing how skilled migrants boost economies despite public fears. He challenges misconceptions linking immigrants to crime and emphasizes the need to address media narratives. The conversation also critically evaluates Japan's evolving stance on immigration amidst socio-economic pressures.
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Immigration's Global Unpopularity
- Immigration is generally unpopular worldwide except for exceptions like Canada and Australia.
- Political swings cause a thermostatic back and forth, leading to unsustainable support for immigration.
Beyond Racism in Immigration Views
- Racism alone doesn't explain most opposition to immigration.
- Other factors like conflicting interests contribute to negative attitudes toward immigration.
Altruistic Nationalism Explains Views
- People care altruistically but prioritize their compatriots' welfare.
- Immigration attitudes often reflect sociotropic concerns about the national interest.