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Benefits of Early Integration: Birthright Citizenship and Youth Crime

Author

Listed:
  • Clara Albrecht
  • Leander Andres
  • Simone Schüller
  • Gordon B. Dahl
  • Helmut Rainer
  • Stefan Bauernschuster

Abstract

Key MessagesDespite making up a relatively low share of the population, adolescents account for a disproportionately high incidence of registered offendersAn innovative empirical approach finds causal evidence that a reform of citizenship law has a significant impact on reducing youth crimeBirthright citizenship (jus soli) reduces crime among second- and thirdgeneration immigrant youth by about 70 percentThe positive effect on crime may be due to improved educational outcomes and greater career opportunitiesGiven the debates in several countries on restricting or even abolishing access to citizenship, these findings are highly relevant

Suggested Citation

  • Clara Albrecht & Leander Andres & Simone Schüller & Gordon B. Dahl & Helmut Rainer & Stefan Bauernschuster, 2026. "Benefits of Early Integration: Birthright Citizenship and Youth Crime," EconPol Forum, CESifo, vol. 27(02), pages 45-50, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:epofor:v:27:y:2026:i:02:p:45-50
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felfe, Christina & Kocher, Martin G. & Rainer, Helmut & Saurer, Judith & Siedler, Thomas, 2021. "More opportunity, more cooperation? The behavioral effects of birthright citizenship on immigrant youth," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    2. Gordon B Dahl & Christina Felfe & Paul Frijters & Helmut Rainer, 2022. "Caught between Cultures: Unintended Consequences of Improving Opportunity for Immigrant Girls," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 89(5), pages 2491-2528.
    3. Christina Felfe & Helmut Rainer & Judith Saurer, 2020. "Why Birthright Citizenship Matters for Immigrant Children: Short- and Long-Run Impacts on Educational Integration," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 38(1), pages 143-182.
    4. Lance Lochner & Enrico Moretti, 2004. "The Effect of Education on Crime: Evidence from Prison Inmates, Arrests, and Self-Reports," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 94(1), pages 155-189, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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