Sources of guidance on right and wrong among immigrants

% of immigrants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201433%11%38%16%3%3,954
200726%11%42%13%8%3,186
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among immigrants by religious group

% of immigrants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic34%9%37%16%3%1,429
Evangelical Protestant59%9%22%7%4%603
Hindu5%18%53%24%1%171
Historically Black Protestant54%6%28%8%3%112
Mainline Protestant29%8%51%10%2%317
Muslim36%10%35%14%4%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%18%44%26%2%810
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion18%46%24%12%1,221
Philosophy/reason33%40%17%9%465
Common sense22%47%21%10%1,452
Science24%47%20%8%627
Don't know17%39%24%20%117
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion9%18%38%28%8%1%1,221
Philosophy/reason20%22%32%20%6%< 1%465
Common sense13%19%38%24%6%1%1,452
Science14%20%37%22%6%< 1%627
Don't know7%17%31%29%14%1%117
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion43%57%1,251
Philosophy/reason46%54%469
Common sense50%50%1,475
Science58%42%636
Don't know55%45%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion13%11%10%63%2%1,239
Philosophy/reason24%6%23%45%2%466
Common sense23%7%21%46%2%1,457
Science18%4%21%56%1%629
Don't know17%7%12%62%3%120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion58%19%14%9%1,029
Philosophy/reason41%16%19%23%402
Common sense41%21%21%17%1,236
Science44%21%17%18%553
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion62%19%13%7%1,238
Philosophy/reason39%23%20%18%467
Common sense48%25%15%12%1,465
Science47%19%16%18%632
Don't know58%17%12%12%121
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion53%8%15%5%18%1,240
Philosophy/reason48%7%11%3%31%466
Common sense51%9%11%3%26%1,473
Science48%11%11%2%28%632
Don't know46%2%18%12%23%122
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion43%57%1,241
Philosophy/reason35%65%468
Common sense41%59%1,470
Science40%60%633
Don't know31%69%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Religion69%26%3%1%< 1%1%1,251
Philosophy/reason44%26%11%1%15%3%469
Common sense56%25%9%1%8%2%1,475
Science36%32%10%1%19%1%636
Don't know62%24%4%5%4%1%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion86%11%2%1%1%1,251
Philosophy/reason38%32%15%15%1%469
Common sense47%30%13%9%< 1%1,475
Science39%29%12%20%< 1%636
Don't know60%22%2%9%7%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion65%25%9%1%1,251
Philosophy/reason24%38%37%< 1%469
Common sense29%41%29%< 1%1,475
Science22%39%39%1%636
Don't know44%23%28%5%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion78%12%3%6%1%1,251
Philosophy/reason41%19%8%32%< 1%469
Common sense50%15%8%25%1%1,475
Science36%19%8%37%< 1%636
Don't know60%13%7%16%4%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion50%15%8%27%1%1,251
Philosophy/reason18%11%10%60%1%469
Common sense18%10%12%60%< 1%1,475
Science15%11%11%63%< 1%636
Don't know29%9%11%46%6%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion61%9%4%21%4%1,251
Philosophy/reason44%11%4%38%3%469
Common sense41%9%6%42%2%1,475
Science40%10%6%40%3%636
Don't know50%8%2%30%10%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion76%10%6%7%1%1,251
Philosophy/reason52%18%13%15%3%469
Common sense52%18%13%15%2%1,475
Science50%12%16%20%3%636
Don't know63%6%8%17%5%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion57%13%11%15%3%1,251
Philosophy/reason51%16%17%16%2%469
Common sense41%17%16%24%1%1,475
Science39%16%20%24%1%636
Don't know52%10%13%13%13%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion35%60%2%3%1,251
Philosophy/reason23%74%2%2%469
Common sense21%76%2%1%1,475
Science25%72%1%2%636
Don't know33%53%4%10%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion62%12%5%19%1%1,251
Philosophy/reason28%12%8%51%< 1%469
Common sense24%12%11%53%1%1,475
Science19%9%12%59%2%636
Don't know37%10%12%37%3%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Religion58%23%4%10%5%1,251
Philosophy/reason18%25%2%48%7%469
Common sense27%23%3%38%9%1,475
Science28%15%2%50%6%636
Don't know23%25%17%15%20%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion86%9%5%1,251
Philosophy/reason60%31%9%469
Common sense66%27%7%1,475
Science55%39%6%636
Don't know63%20%17%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion73%20%7%1,251
Philosophy/reason45%47%8%469
Common sense49%42%9%1,475
Science43%50%6%636
Don't know52%24%24%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion24%33%43%1,251
Philosophy/reason19%28%53%469
Common sense23%28%49%1,475
Science21%24%55%636
Don't know17%44%40%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion42%25%23%10%1,251
Philosophy/reason18%34%41%7%469
Common sense25%35%32%8%1,475
Science24%32%38%6%636
Don't know27%29%25%19%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion25%68%3%3%1,251
Philosophy/reason33%61%3%3%469
Common sense33%61%3%3%1,475
Science27%69%2%2%636
Don't know19%54%18%9%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion37%56%5%3%1,251
Philosophy/reason30%63%5%2%469
Common sense42%52%4%3%1,475
Science38%57%2%2%636
Don't know28%42%17%13%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion28%68%4%1,251
Philosophy/reason59%37%4%469
Common sense57%39%5%1,475
Science59%38%3%636
Don't know28%44%28%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion44%46%4%5%1,251
Philosophy/reason78%15%5%2%469
Common sense70%22%3%4%1,475
Science76%20%2%2%636
Don't know46%28%12%14%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion31%60%9%1,251
Philosophy/reason72%21%7%469
Common sense59%32%9%1,475
Science66%27%7%636
Don't know31%34%36%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion37%55%2%6%1,251
Philosophy/reason28%66%2%4%469
Common sense33%60%2%4%1,475
Science28%66%2%4%636
Don't know22%51%6%21%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of immigrants who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion16%26%3%49%6%1,251
Philosophy/reason46%23%4%22%5%469
Common sense40%21%3%30%5%1,475
Science52%18%4%24%2%636
Don't know17%28%9%20%26%123
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.