Europeans are much more inclined than Americans to think that immigrants are likely to get involved in criminal activity

Will Lester:

Immigration anxiety has been fueling a fierce political debate in the United States, but attitudes about immigrants in this country are considerably more positive than in several European countries, AP-Ipsos polling found.

People in Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are much more inclined than those in the U.S. to think immigrants are likely to get involved in criminal activity.

"Often the immigrants come here and can't find work, they are forced to become criminals," said Leonardo Delogu, a doctor from Sardinia, Italy.

More than a third of Germans, Italians and Spaniards think immigrants are more likely to be involved in criminal activity than people born in their countries.

A fourth in France and Britain agree.

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