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WASHINGTON, DC (November 17, 2008) – A new survey released today shows that that 50% of Americans and 47% of Europeans think immigration is more of a problem than an opportunity, but a closer look shows nuanced views of immigration and integration on both sides of the Atlantic and marked differences within Europe.

Seven years after Sept. 11, majorities on both sides of the Atlantic do not believe that immigration increases the likelihood of terrorism; only 35% of Europeans and 40% of Americans say that more immigration leads to increased risk of terrorism. On the other hand, 52% of Europeans say that immigration will increase crime in their society, and they were joined by 47% of Americans.

The inaugural Transatlantic Trends: Immigration (http://www.transatlantictrends.org/) public opinion survey addresses immigration and integration issues including national identity, citizenship, migration management policies, national security, and the economic opportunities and challenges brought on by migrants.

“As the top destinations for migrants, the United States and Europe face the same challenges of immigration and integration, and can learn from each other,” said Craig Kennedy, president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. “And in this time of concern about the economy and national security, the topic of immigration is especially salient. This survey will call attention to the development of fair, coherent policies that will affect migrants at both the domestic and international levels.”

Transatlantic Trends: Immigration is a project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, with support from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation (U.S.), the Compagnia di San Paolo (Italy), and the Barrow Cadbury Trust (U.K.). It measures broad public opinion in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland.

Other key findings include:

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