Newswise — Hispanics think the United States government is doing a better job at reducing the threat of terrorism but most are still worried about the possibility of a major terrorist attack on American soil, according to the latest survey conducted by the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI) in the College of Business.
When asked how they feel about the possibility of a major terrorist attack in the U.S., 61.2 percent of Hispanics said they were very worried or somewhat worried. Hispanics between the age of 18 and 34 years old, as well as those with college degrees, were among the most worried about a possible attack.
“These results may reflect the growing public concern about ISIS in the Middle East and North Africa,” said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., director of BEPI. “Its continued strength, despite military actions against it in Syria and Iraq, may be alarming to Hispanics.”
However, a majority of Hispanics (53 percent) felt the U.S. government is doing a good to excellent job in reducing the threat of terrorism. Those over 55 were significantly more pessimistic about the government reducing terrorism, with 67 percent rating the government’s efforts as fair to poor. Democrats rated the government highest at 65 percent, followed by non-registered voters at 53 percent, Republicans at 38 percent and Independents at 37 percent.
A slight majority of Hispanics (51 percent) said they support the agreement that restricts Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. Independents registered the strongest support for the deal at 58 percent, compared to 53 percent of Democrats and 39 percent of Republicans.
BEPI’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell more than five points from the previous month to 88.5 in August. The Current Economic Conditions dropped nearly five points for the second straight month to 93.39 after reaching an all-time high of 103.49 in June. The Index of Consumer Expectations dipped to 85.37 in August from 91.03 the previous month. Throughout all indexes, Escaleras said, it appears the August stock market may have had a significant impact, particularly among the oldest demographic, who are 55 and over. The survey was conducted nationally from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31. The polling sample consisted of 500 Hispanics with a margin of error of +/- 4.33 percent and a 95 percent confidence level. For more information, visit BEPI or contact Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., at 561-297-1312 or [email protected].
- FAU -
About FAU BEPI: The Florida Atlantic University Business and Economic Polling Initiative Conducts surveys on business, economic, political and social issues with a focus on Hispanic attitudes and opinions at regional, state and national levels via planned monthly national surveys. The initiative subscribes to the American Association of Public Opinion Research and is a resource for public and private organizations, academic research and media outlets. In addition, the initiative is designed to contribute to the educational mission of the University by providing students with valuable opportunities to enhance their educational experience by designing and carry out public opinion research.
About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU’s existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.
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