Apt. 64 W11

What? A New York Times/CBS News poll found that Americans 45 and older were more likely than the young to say the Arizona law was “about right”.  More boomers also say no newcomers. should be allowed to enter the U.S. Millenials favor a “welcome all” approach.

Why? Boomers and their parents spent their formative years away from the cities, where newer immigrants tended to gather — unlike today’s young people who have become more involved with immigrants, through college, or by moving to urban areas.

Where?  The generation gap is especially pronounced in formerly fast-growing states like Arizona and Florida, where retirees and new immigrants have flocked — one group for sun, the other for work. 

What does this mean?

Cathleen McCarthy, a senior at the University of Arizona, said to the NYT that “many older Americans feel threatened by the change that immigration presents. Young people today have simply been exposed to a more accepting worldview.” More so than Boomers, Millenials grew up watching a multi-cultural Sesame Street, and engaged in diversity inclusive programs in technicolor communities.

All this may be a conundrum for the government as it tries to make policy that addresses older generations afraid they will be stuck with the bill for the education of immigrant children vs. Millenials, who could represent the big vote in upcoming elections and who can be quick to show their apathy by not exercising their right to vote. The plot thickens as the gap widens.