Fear of Crime: A Test of Immigration Generations, Language, and Neighborhood Composition

• In Event: Factors that Predict or Explain Fear of Crime

Abstract

Immigrant’s victimization has garnered significant scholarly interest in recent years. Yet, a few studies have examined immigrants and immigration generations’ fear of crime. Utilizing data from the General Social Survey 2021, this study compares the levels of fear of crime among first-, second-, and third-generation immigrants with that of the native-born group, and assesses the influence of English/Spanish speaking on fear of crime. The analysis considers several control variables, such as neighborhood racial composition, support for religion, and demographics. Findings reveal that first- and second- generation immigrants exhibit greater fear of crime than native-born individuals. Individuals who speak a language other than English or Spanish had greater fear of crime compared to their counterparts who can only speak English or Spanish. All control variables influenced fear of crime except for race and ethnicity. Discussion and policy implications are provided.

Author

• Luye Li, Seton Hall University