http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN1930521520080319
This article reports on an interesting study that researched the correlation between immigration rates and crime rates. Immigrants generally are not well received in many nations and are often perceived as being lazy, taking jobs of locals and committing crimes. This report however presents findings that show rising immigration levels do not drive up crime rates, particularly in poor communities, and Mexican-Americans are the least likely to commit crimes. This study was conducted in Chicago by a Harvard University professor and I believe the results are representative of many communities across the United States.
First-generation immigrants were 45 percent less likely to commit violent acts than third generation Americans. There are several reasons why this is true, first generation immigrants, especially Mexicans, commonly cited an incentive to work, ambition and a desire not to be deported as reasons for not committing crimes.
The article states data from the study from a period in the mid 1990s to the end of the decade. During this period immigration rates were growing and this may have previously suggested a rise in crime levels. But during that time the national homicide rate plunged. Crime also dropped in immigration hot spots, such as Los Angeles, where it fell 45 percent overall, San Jose, Dallas and Phoenix.
The author of the study quotes that "there is a pretty powerful underlying current of belief in society that is pretty resistant, stubborn if you will to the facts." Although I have not ben in America for long I have noticed a lot of prejudice against immigrants. The same can be said for immigrants coming into the UK, particularly against newer countries form eastern Europe that have joined the EU such as Poland.
Sampson argues that public perception drives a large part of the debate so its easy for politicians to blame illegal immigration for driving up the crime rate. Although it is difficult to point to any data to substantiate it, not many people question it.
1 comment:
That is an interesting study, and the findings are suprizing because one would think it would have a slight influence on crime rates. The only thing that may make that study not apply to other communities would be the demographic and economic variance in so many different communities. Within this we would find gangs more prevelent in certain areas. But it goes to show that we should not jump to conclusions about immigration, and that just because it happens in one place does not mean it applies to the general population.
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