Why Americans Fear “Outsiders”: The Hidden Psychology of Immigration

Why does immigration trigger such intense reactions in America — empathy for some, fear for others?

In this fast-paced Brains Over Brew lecture, sociologist Dr. Liza G. Steele taps into the psychology behind one of the most emotionally charged issues in American life. Instead of focusing on policy or politics, she reveals the hidden forces — evolutionary instincts, group identity, media cues, and local culture — that shape how Americans react to newcomers long before they ever think about laws or data.

You’ll explore:

• The neuroscience of threat perception and why “outsiders” can feel dangerous
• Why some Americans feel hope around immigration while others feel loss
• How class, place, and identity shape emotional reactions
• Why small towns and big cities experience immigration so differently
• Why debates almost never change minds — but stories do

This Brains Over Brew session taps into a surprising truth: immigration disagreements aren’t just political… they’re psychological.

You’ll leave with a deeper, more human understanding of fear, belonging, empathy, and the hidden forces shaping modern America.