Contrary to popular misconceptions, comprehensive research consistently shows that Immigration and Crime in the United States—regardless of their legal status—commit crimes at significantly lower rates than native-born citizens. This finding, supported by multiple studies and particularly detailed data from Texas, challenges long-held assumptions about immigration and public safety.

Key Statistical Findings

Overall Incarceration Rates

• Immigrants are 60% less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born citizens (2020 National Bureau of Economic Research study)
• The trend of lower immigrant incarceration rates has remained consistent since 1870
• U.S.-born citizens are:
  • 10x more likely to commit weapons-related offenses
  • 5x more likely to commit violent offenses
  • 2x more likely to commit property crimes
  • Nearly 2x more likely to commit drug offenses

The Texas Case Study: A Unique Data Source

Texas provides the most comprehensive state-level data on immigrant criminality, being the only state that tracks arrests and convictions by immigration status. The findings are striking:

1. Violent and Drug Crimes
   • Immigrants are arrested at less than half the rate of U.S.-born citizens
2. Property Crimes
   • Immigrant arrest rates are one-quarter that of native-born citizens
3. Unauthorized Immigrants
   • Show the lowest offending rates among all groups studied
   • Lower rates than both U.S.-born citizens and legal immigrants

Immigration and Crime Impact on Communities

Research reveals several important trends regarding immigration’s effect on community safety:

Positive Community Impacts

1. Violent crime rates often decrease as unauthorized immigration increases
2. Metropolitan areas show lower crime rates with higher immigrant populations
3. No significant difference in crime rates between “sanctuary” and “non-sanctuary” cities

Security Screening and Vetting

Post-9/11 security measures have significantly enhanced immigrant screening:

• Increased international cooperation throughout the Americas
• Enhanced law enforcement coordination
• Improved terrorist watch list screening
• Comprehensive intelligence sharing
• Biometric data collection including fingerprints and retina scans

Understanding Lower Crime Rates

Several factors contribute to lower crime rates among immigrant populations:

1. Risk Awareness
   • Constant awareness of deportation risk
   • Higher stakes for legal violations
   • Strong motivation to avoid law enforcement attention
2. Community Factors
   • Strong family and community ties
   • Economic motivation to maintain employment
   • Cultural values emphasizing law-abiding behavior
3. Screening Effects
   • Multiple layers of security vetting
   • International cooperation in identifying security threats
   • Comprehensive risk assessment procedures

Border Security Context

Modern border security includes multiple layers of protection:

1. International Cooperation
   • Partnership with Central American countries
   • Information sharing networks
   • Joint security operations
2. Technology and Infrastructure
   • Biometric screening systems
   • Advanced database integration
   • Real-time threat assessment capabilities
3. Procedural Safeguards
   • Multi-stage vetting process
   • Risk classification assessments
   • Comprehensive background checks

Policy Implications

The evidence suggests several important policy considerations:

1. Resource Allocation
   • Focus on actual crime trends rather than perceived threats
   • Efficient use of law enforcement resources
   • Evidence-based policy making
2. Community Relations
   • Building trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement
   • Supporting integration efforts
   • Maintaining effective communication channels
3. Security Enhancement
   • Continuing international cooperation
   • Improving data sharing capabilities
   • Strengthening vetting procedures

The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that immigrants, including unauthorized immigrants, commit crimes at lower rates than native-born citizens. This finding holds true across multiple studies, time periods, and jurisdictions. Rather than presenting a criminal threat, immigrant communities often contribute to lower crime rates in their areas of settlement.

These findings suggest that policy discussions about immigration and crime should be grounded in empirical evidence rather than misconceptions. Understanding the true relationship between immigration and crime is crucial for developing effective, evidence-based policies that enhance public safety while supporting the positive contributions of immigrant communities to American society.