FAU Poll Shows Hispanics Believe U.S. Government Better at Reducing Terror Threat, but Still Worry about Attack

BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.

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.

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SOURCE FAU Business and Economics Polling Institute

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