---
title: "The Politics of Belonging"
description: "The tide of people moving across the world as immigrants or refugees has sparked concern in the developed world – from the United States to Europe to Australia."
date: "2017-03-30"
authors:
  - name: "Bruce Stokes"
    job_title: "Former Director, Global Economic Attitudes"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/bruce-stokes/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2017/03/30/the-politics-of-belonging/"
---

# The Politics of Belonging

*Special to [YaleGlobal Online](http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/politics-belonging-0) *

The tide of [people moving across the world](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/12/15/international-migration-key-findings-from-the-u-s-europe-and-the-world/) as immigrants or refugees has sparked concern in the developed world – from the United States to Europe to [Australia](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2016/06/20/as-elections-near-most-australians-trust-turnbulls-handling-of-world-affairs/). In particular, the ethnic, linguistic and cultural background of the many seeking asylum or economic opportunity has triggered debates, especially in rich countries, over the benefits and the costs of growing [diversity](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/07/12/in-views-of-diversity-many-europeans-are-less-positive-than-americans/) at home.

Unease over the cultural, not only economic and security, ramifications of immigration has been a key factor in the United Kingdom’s Brexit vote, plans for a wall along the US-Mexican border and the rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe.

*Read more at [YaleGlobal Online](http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/politics-belonging-0)*