Understanding the Role of Immigrant Generation on Criminal Legal Contact Among Black Adults.

• In Event: Immigration, Crime and Criminal Justice: Exploring Variations by Ethnicity, Race, and Culture

Abstract

Black immigrants navigate a dual identity in the United States, as both Black and immigrant. While previous research on immigration and crime has highlighted negative associations and generational differences in crime rates, there is a notable lack of understanding regarding the experiences of Black immigrants. To address this gap, we examine the role of immigrant generation on different forms of criminal justice contact among adults who self-identify as Black. Specifically using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and segmented assimilation theory, our objectives are twofold: (1) investigate whether and how generational status shapes contact with the U.S. criminal legal system for adults who self-identify as Black/African American, and (2) determine whether different elements of acculturation and socioeconomic conditions shape generational status-criminal legal contact relationships. Findings demonstrate generational status plays a significant role in different types of criminal legal contact. Moreover, we demonstrate that acculturation and socioeconomic conditions significantly shape immigrant generation-criminal contact relationships among Black people. Results highlight the important role immigrant generation, acculturation, and socioeconomic conditions play in exposure to the criminal legal system among adults who identify as Black.

Authors

• Uchenna Onuoha, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

• Michael Niño, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville