The Impact of Illegal Immigration on U.S. Citizens’ Risk of Victimization

• In Event: New Directions in Research on Immigration and Victimization

Abstract

Immigrant-related crime remains an issue of significant public concern despite research evidence showing that immigration does not increase crime generally, and in some cases may even reduce crime in select neighborhoods. Critics of the existing research argue that, too often, it is unauthorized (or illegal) immigration, not legal immigration, that concerns the U.S. communities. This study uses data from the area-identified U.S. National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) in 2017-2019 to assess whether U.S.-born citizens’ risk of victimization is affected by county levels of illegal immigration. By evaluating U.S. residents’ victimization risk by citizenship and race/ethnicity, the study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of illegal immigration on public safety.

Authors

• Min Xie, University of Maryland, College Park

• Eric P. Baumer, Pennsylvania State University