The rhetoric surrounding immigration and crime has long been a contentious issue in American politics and public discourse. However, a growing body of research consistently demonstrates that immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. This reality stands in stark contrast to the often-inflammatory rhetoric that portrays immigrants as a threat to public safety.
Donald Trump's inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants has become increasingly extreme as the 2024 election approaches. His recent comments suggesting that immigrants have "bad genes" and are predisposed to violence represent a dangerous escalation of his already xenophobic language. Trump has repeatedly demonized minority groups at his rallies, referring to immigrants as "animals," "stone cold killers," and "the worst people". He has falsely claimed that immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country" and destroying American towns, despite evidence showing immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born citizens.
Recent studies show that immigrants are significantly less likely to be involved in criminal activities. A comprehensive analysis of 150 years of U.S. Census data revealed that immigrants have consistently been less likely to be incarcerated than people born in the United States1. This historical trend has only become more pronounced in recent decades, with immigrants today being 60% less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born citizens1.
The disparity in crime rates between immigrants and native-born Americans is particularly striking when examining specific types of offenses. In Texas, which tracks immigration status among those arrested for state crimes, undocumented immigrants were found to have substantially lower crime rates across a range of felony offenses3. For instance:
- Undocumented immigrants are arrested at less than half the rate of native-born U.S. citizens for violent and drug crimes3.
- The total violent crime arrest rate was 213 per 100,000 for U.S.-born citizens, compared to just 96.2 per 100,000 for undocumented immigrants3.
- For drug offenses, the arrest rate was 337.2 per 100,000 for U.S.-born citizens, while it was only 135 per 100,000 for undocumented immigrants3.
These statistics challenge the notion of a "migrant crime wave" that is often propagated in political discourse. In fact, crime rates in cities that attract large numbers of migrants, such as San Diego, New York City, and Chicago, have been declining4. San Diego, a major border city, boasts lower violent crime rates than similarly sized inland cities like Dallas and San Antonio4.
The lower crime rates among immigrant populations persist even in states with large undocumented populations and a history of strict enforcement. In Texas, undocumented immigrants are 26% less likely to be convicted of homicide compared to native-born residents, while legal immigrants are 60% less likely4.
It's important to note that while isolated incidents of crimes committed by immigrants do occur and can be tragic, these cases are not representative of the broader immigrant population. Experts caution against using individual cases to make sweeping generalizations about a diverse group of over 12 million people4.
The reasons behind lower crime rates among immigrants are multifaceted. Some researchers suggest that immigrants may be more resistant to economic shocks that have affected less-educated men in recent decades1. Additionally, the process of immigration itself may select for individuals who are less prone to criminal behavior, as they often face significant challenges and risks to build a better life in a new country.
As we continue to debate immigration policy, it's crucial to base our discussions on factual evidence rather than unfounded fears. The data consistently shows that immigrants, including those who are undocumented, are less likely to engage in criminal activity than native-born Americans. This reality should inform our approach to immigration policy and challenge the persistent myths that have long shaped public perception on this issue.
Citations:
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Northwestern University: Immigrants Are Significantly Less Likely to Commit Crimes than the U.S.-Born ↩↩↩
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Al Jazeera: False Claims About Immigrants and Crime in the U.S. ↩
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National Institute of Justice: Undocumented Immigrant Offending Rate Lower than U.S.-Born Citizen Rate ↩↩↩↩
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KPBS: No Migrant Crime Wave - Experts Fact-Check Election Rhetoric ↩↩↩↩
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Office of Justice Programs: Comparing Crime Rates Between Immigrants ↩
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Stanford University: The Mythical Tie Between Immigration and Crime ↩
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NPR: Immigrants Are Less Likely to Commit Crimes than U.S.-Born Americans, Studies Find ↩