Exposure to past immigration waves and attitudes toward newcomers

Abstract How does previous exposure to massive immigrant inflows affect concerns about current immigration and the integration of refugees? To answer this question, we investigate attitudes toward newcomers among natives immigrants. In areas that in 1990s received higher immigrants German origin—the so-called ethnic Germans—native Germans are more likely believe refugees a resource for economy culture, viewing them as an opportunity rather than risk. Refugees living these report better health feel less exposed xenophobia.