An Analysis of Immigration and Crime in the United States

Various recent studies analyze the relationship between immigration and crime in the United States, revealing relevant data about crime rates committed by immigrants compared to native-born citizens. Overall, these studies indicate that immigrants have lower crime rates in nearly all categories, including violent and property crimes.

Comparative Crime Data

Research conducted at different levels (national, state, and urban) suggests that immigrants, regardless of their immigration status, tend to have lower incarceration and prosecution rates than the U.S.-born population. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, in 2020, immigrants were 60% less likely to be incarcerated than native citizens.

Between 1990 and 2018, cases processed for immigrants in the United States increased; however, approximately 90% of these were related to violations of immigration laws, not violent or other types of crimes. Other studies indicate that U.S.-born citizens are more likely to be prosecuted for offenses related to weapons, violence, and drugs.

You may also be interested in: “CBP Statistics Update for Fiscal Year 2024“

Texas: A Case Study

Texas is the only state where arrest and conviction records include specific data on the immigration status of detainees, allowing for a detailed analysis of this population. Data collected in Texas indicates that unauthorized immigrants have lower crime rates compared to legal immigrants and U.S.-born citizens. For example, in drug-related and violent crimes, immigrants of all statuses show lower rates than native citizens.

Impact on Communities

Crime data in areas with a high immigrant presence shows that an increase in the immigrant population in some cities has coincided with lower or unchanged crime rates. In areas with a long history of immigration, some studies have observed a decrease in violent and property crimes.

Border Security and Background Checks

In terms of border control and security, the U.S. government has implemented a background check and verification process for immigrants, which has intensified since September 11, 2001. The collection of biometric data and cooperation with other Latin American countries allows U.S. authorities to obtain advanced information on the backgrounds of individuals seeking to enter the country. This system aims to identify potential security risks before individuals reach the border.

Summary of Findings

Overall, the available studies suggest that immigrants in the United States, as a group, have lower crime rates than native-born citizens. These findings are observed at various levels, from national studies to local analyses in specific cities and states. The data collected in these studies contribute to an evidence-based understanding of the relationship between immigration and crime in the United States.

From: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/content/immigrants-and-crime 

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