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On the association between undocumented immigration and crime in the United States

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  • Christian Gunadi

Abstract

Approximately 11 million undocumented individuals live in the United States. At the same time, there are concerns that the presence of undocumented immigrants may contribute to an increase in crime rates. In this article, I examine the institutionalization rate of undocumented immigrants and quantify the change in crime rates attributable to undocumented immigration. The analysis yields a few main results. First, despite possessing characteristics usually associated with crime, undocumented immigrants are 33% less likely to be institutionalized compared to US natives. Second, there is no evidence that undocumented immigrants who have spent more time in the USA are more likely to be institutionalized compared to those who have been in the USA for a shorter time. There is evidence, however, that arriving at a younger age is associated with higher institutionalization rate. Finally, overall property and violent crime rates across US states are not statistically significantly increased by undocumented immigration.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Gunadi, 2021. "On the association between undocumented immigration and crime in the United States," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 73(1), pages 200-224.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:73:y:2021:i:1:p:200-224.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpz057
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    Cited by:

    1. Billy, Alexander & Packard, Michael, 2022. "Crime and the Mariel Boatlift," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • K37 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Immigration Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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