This study investigates public preferences for migrants from Global North countries into Global South contexts, a phenomenon that challenges traditional assumptions about migration patterns and public opinion. While extensive research has examined attitudes toward migrants moving from the Global South to the Global North, preferences regarding reverse migration remain underexplored. To address this gap, we employ a conjoint experiment to systematically assess how key attributes of migrants—such as nationality, occupation, income level, reasons for migration, and cultural assimilation—shape public attitudes in a Global South setting.
Using survey data from Colombia, Costa Rica and Brazil, we test whether individuals differentiate between migrants based on perceived economic contributions, cultural fit, or other demographic and contextual factors. We also evaluate how these preferences intersect with broader socio-political dimensions, including attitudes toward globalization, nationalism, and inequality. This study sheds light on the underexamined dynamics of migration preferences in the Global South and contributes to a deeper understanding of how perceptions of power, economic status, and cultural exchange shape public opinion on migration flows in a rapidly globalizing world.