It’s not you, it’s your heritage

The UCI-OC Poll, sponsored by UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology, surveyed Orange County residents about their ancestry, ethnic/racial identity, and views on immigration. 

“These results depict a deeply diverse Orange County, where generational ties to immigration shape both identity and political views,” says Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology. “The survey underscores how experiences influence perspectives on issues like immigration policy, highlighting significant differences across racial and ethnic groups. And, it's more proof that the OC is a truly 'purple' county."

Six key takeaways from the survey stand out:

• Half of OC residents are second-generation Americans, with one or both of their parents born outside the United States. There are significant generational differences between white, Latino and Asian residents. Whereas 86% of white OC residents say both of their parents were born in the U.S. just 35% of Latino residents and 9% of Asian residents report the same. Similarly, 55% of white residents say all their grandparents were US-born, while only 16% of Latino residents and 3% of Asian residents state the same.
• Immigration to Orange County is a relatively recent phenomenon. Although three-quarters of OC residents aged 65 and older had parents who were US-born, just one-third of those under 40 report the same.
• Generational ancestry is related to political identity. Residents whose parents or grandparents were born abroad are much more likely to identify as Democrat or Independent, whereas those whose relatives were US-born are more likely to identify as Republican.
• A resident’s own birth citizenship does not predict their preference between Democrats or Republicans.  Eight in 10 OC residents were born in the United States, which is about the same ratio found among both Democrats and Republicans in the County.
• Latino and Asian residents, whose families are more recent immigrants to the U.S. than are white residents, are split in how they describe their national identity. In fact, only 1 in 5 of each group sees themselves as “Just American.”
• A majority of OC residents prefers a path to legal status over deportation of undocumented immigrants. However, there are significant differences between racial and ethnic groups and between the political parties. White residents are evenly split on the options, whereas Latino residents are strongly opposed to deportation. Asian residents largely oppose deportation but are more undecided. Republicans strongly support deportation, whereas Democrats much prefer a path to legal status. Independents, too, prefer legal status.