Despite persistent claims linking immigration to rising crime rates, decades of data and research consistently show that immigrants, including those without legal status, commit crimes at significantly lower rates than U.S.-born citizens. These findings are critical in today’s heated discussions around immigration policy and border security, especially when shaping the public’s perception of migrant communities.
Lower Crime Rates Among Immigrants: What the Research Shows
National and state-level studies paint a clear picture: immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than the native-born population. This pattern holds true across all legal statuses, including unauthorized immigrants.
According to a 2020 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, immigrants were 60% less likely to be incarcerated than native-born Americans. This trend is not new. In fact, it dates back to 1870, the earliest year such data were recorded.
A separate 2021 study by the U.S. Department of Justice showed an increase in prosecutions of immigrants between 1990 and 2018, but it’s important to note that 90% of these prosecutions were for immigration-related offenses. When it comes to other types of crimes:
- U.S.-born citizens were 10 times more likely to be incarcerated for weapons-related offenses.
- 5 times more likely for violent offenses.
- Over twice as likely for property crimes.
- Nearly twice as likely for drug offenses.
These numbers highlight a stark contrast between popular narratives and factual data.
The Texas Case Study: Unique and Revealing
Texas remains the only U.S. state that records criminal convictions and arrests by immigration status. According to a 2020 federal study using data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the findings were conclusive:
- Immigrants, regardless of legal status, were arrested at less than half the rate of U.S.-born citizens for both violent and drug-related crimes.
- For property crimes, immigrants were arrested at only one-quarter the rate of native-born individuals.
Among these groups, unauthorized immigrants had the lowest crime rates when compared to both U.S. citizens and legally present immigrants.
Cities and Communities: Immigration Often Correlates with Lower Crime
Contrary to the belief that more immigrants equal more crime, research at the city and state levels has shown the opposite:
- Communities with larger immigrant populations often experience declines in homicide and property crime rates.
- Sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, show no significant difference in rates of violent crime, rape, or property crime when compared to non-sanctuary cities.
- Areas with established immigrant communities and inclusive policies are especially likely to see reductions in violent crime.
Why Are Crime Rates Lower Among Unauthorized Immigrants?
One theory suggests that the constant threat of deportation discourages unauthorized immigrants from engaging in criminal activity. This fear, combined with strong community ties and the desire to build a better life, may explain the consistently lower crime rates in areas with large unauthorized populations.
National Security and Vetting Processes
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. has significantly enhanced its screening and vetting procedures for migrants. These systems aim to detect and deter potential threats long before individuals reach U.S. borders:
- Biometric screenings (fingerprints, retina scans) are conducted in countries like Costa Rica and Panama as part of a “controlled flow” initiative. Suspicious individuals are flagged and cross-checked against U.S. and international security databases.
- Data is shared with U.S. authorities to identify individuals with criminal records or ties to terrorism.
- According to the Cato Institute, not a single American has been killed in a terrorist attack on U.S. soil by someone who entered illegally via a land or sea border.
Even when overwhelmed by high volumes of arrivals, agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintain rigorous vetting standards. In cases where migrants lack identification, self-reported data is still used to conduct criminal background checks and risk assessments.
How SwiftPass Global Immigration Supports Ethical Migration
At SwiftPass Global Immigration, we understand that facts and fairness must guide the global migration conversation. We use verified data and research to counter misinformation and advocate for more balanced immigration policies. Our commitment includes:
- Guiding clients through legal migration pathways based on current policy and research.
- Educating the public on the realities of immigration, including the low rates of criminality among immigrants.
- Supporting ethical migration practices, with an emphasis on dignity, safety, and opportunity.
We believe in a world where migration is not feared but understood. Whether you’re pursuing study, work, or family migration, SwiftPass is here to ensure your journey is informed and empowered.