Violence as a Factor for Migration

• In Event: Experimental Research & Migration and Citizenship & Politics, Literature and Film & Civic Engagement Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual Poster Session: Migration and Citizenship Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Crime victimization can be a factor for people to consider outmigration, and currently, states with high crime rates are already seeing the flight. Using evidence from Mexico and Central American countries, I contend in this paper that as people become crime victims their probability of emigrating increases. By collecting data from surveys implemented by LAPOP and using a difference-in-differences design, my results indicate that people exposed to crime victimization are over ten percentage points more likely to emigrate to a different country. The results also show non-linearities, where the marginal effects of crime victimization and country of origin also reflect statistically significant results.

Outmigration has been exacerbated by the increase of violent organizations’ presence and power in those countries since states’ control over them has been diminished; therefore, individuals are more susceptible and vulnerable to violent groups. When faced with options, or the lack thereof, most residents facing violence are choosing, or rather forced, to emigrate. In this view, policymakers wishing to reduce high levels of emigration should focus on reducing the high levels of crime victimization in Mexico and Central America.

Author

• Alberto Beltran, Purdue University