Global Public Glum About Economy
In most of the 44 countries surveyed, people say their country is heading in the wrong direction and that economic conditions are bad. Only in developing economies is there some semblance of satisfaction with economic performance.
56% of Americans Believe They Are ‘Falling Behind’ Financially
Public views of the job market have improved modestly, but overall economic optimism remains limited. Many say their incomes are falling behind the cost of living and 45% have experienced a serious financial hardship.
Share of Long-Term Unauthorized Immigrants Rises
The number of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. has stabilized since the end of the Great Recession in 2009. Those who remain are more likely to be long-term residents, and to live with their U.S.-born children.
More Prioritize Border Security in Immigration Debate
As President Obama considers executive action to delay the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants, the public’s priorities for U.S. immigration policy have shifted, with more people favoring a focus on better border security and tougher enforcement of immigration laws.
As Global Threats Loom, More Say U.S. Does Too Little
The share of Americans saying the U.S. does too little to address global problems has nearly doubled since last November. The Islamic militants known as ISIS or ISIL tops the public’s list of security concerns.
More Express Sympathy for Israel than the Palestinians
Most Americans say they sympathize “a lot” (34%) or “some” (32%) with Israel, while roughly a quarter sympathize with Israel “not much” (15%) or “not at all” (12%).
Mood in Pakistan Less Gloomy
Most Pakistanis remain unhappy with the country’s direction, but the public mood is more positive than it has been in recent years. The share saying the economy is in good shape has doubled since last year, and nearly two-thirds view Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif favorably.
Republicans Open Up Wider ‘Expectations Gap’ Ahead of Midterms
With just over two months before the midterm elections, Republican voters are widening the “expectations gap” with the Democrats.
Mexicans Souring on President Peña Nieto
Mexican President Peña Nieto’s positive image is faltering amid decidedly unpopular economic reforms. Six-in-ten Mexicans are dissatisfied with their country’s economy and most remain unhappy with the direction of their country.
Social Media and the ‘Spiral of Silence’
Our case study found people were less likely to discuss the Snowden-NSA story on social media than they were in person. And if they thought their friends and followers disagreed with them, they were less likely to want to discuss the issue at all.
