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Transit Migration and Crime: Evidence from Colombia

Author

Listed:
  • Ramón Rey
  • Günther G. Schulze
  • Nikita Zakharov

    (Department of International Economic Policy, University of Freiburg)

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of Venezuelan transit migration on crime rates in Colombia. We exploit the reopening of the VenezuelaColombia border in 2016, which has led to a surge in transit migration, and geospatial information about the distinct routes through which the migrants crossed Colombia. Employing a difference-in-differences approach and propensity score matching, we find that transit migration increased property crime rates in crossed municipalities, with both native Colombians and Venezuelan refugees seeing higher victimization rates. Violent crimes remained unaffected. This is the first study to document a link between transit migration and crime.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramón Rey & Günther G. Schulze & Nikita Zakharov, 2024. "Transit Migration and Crime: Evidence from Colombia," Discussion Paper Series 44 JEL Classification: J1, Department of International Economic Policy, University of Freiburg, revised Jan 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:fre:wpaper:44
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    crime; transit migration; Venezuela;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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