Prevalence of Violent Victimization in the Undocumented Community

• In Event: Examining Adverse Experiences of First and Second Generation Immigrants: School- and Community-based Samples

Abstract

Undocumented immigrants are likely to face numerous systemic barriers that hinder their access to government services. Since undocumented immigrants have been precluded from being full participatory members of American society, little is known about the prevalence of victimization in this community. Research suggests that undocumented immigrants could be underreporting instances of victimization for concerns related to their undocumented status, such as fear of deportation. The focus of this study is to examine the role of immigration status when it comes to rates of violent victimization by relying on self-report measures of status and self-report experiences with violent victimization. This study will use data collected in Maricopa County, Arizona. We will compare prevalence of violent victimization by immigration status, including undocumented immigrants, legal residents, and US citizens. Policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Lidia Nuño, Texas State University

• Veronica M. Herrera, California State University, Fullerton

• Benjamin Soto, California State University, Fullerton