Submit your claim details for a free, no obligation case review.
Get Started:
A recent study found that contrary to popular belief, in the United States, neither legal nor illegal immigrants raise crime rates in the populations them move into.
The study was conducted by Washington’s Immigration Policy Center.
Study Results
The study found incarceration and crime rates in people of every ethnic group are lowest for immigrants – even the less educated ones. This was especially true of Mexicans, Guatemalans, and Salvadorans, who make up the lion’s share of the immigrant population.
The study’s authors say it dispels the common belief – propagated by exorbitant media coverage of gang crimes – that immigrants are responsible for more crime than American natives.
Media Misrepresenation
“The misperception that immigrants, especially illegal immigrants, are responsible for higher crime rates is deeply rooted in American public opinion and is sustained by media anecdotes and popular myth,” said professor of sociology at the University of California – Irvine, Ruben G. Rumbaut. “This perception is not supported empirically. In fact, it is refuted by the preponderance of scientific evidence.”
The study found that the incarceration rate of men between the ages of 18 to 39 born in the united states had an incarceration rate of 3.5 percent, which is about five times higher than the incarceration rate for similarly aged immigrants.
The “Paradox of Assimilation”
The study also found that the second- and third- generation immigrants had higher crime rates than the ones who just came to the country.
The study concluded that these second- and third- generation immigrants become subject to socio-economic forces such as high family disintegration rates, and rates of drug abuse and alcoholism, that increase the crime rates.
Facing criminal charges? Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer who will thoroughly examine your case and help you attain the best possible outcome in your case.
Copyright © 2001 - 2012 Online Lawyer Source
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT—Thank you for your visit. The content published on this website was not written by medical professionals and should not, at any point, be mistaken for medical advice. Furthermore, the information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. In addition, viewing the content on this website, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form should never be considered the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The material published on this site is general and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Every case comes with its own set of unique circumstances; past success discussed on this site does not guarantee future performance. Information found on this website should not be used as incentive to act without seeking counsel from a professional. For more information, please read our disclaimer.