The Truth About Immigrant Crime: Separating Fact from Fiction

When people talk about illegal immigrant crime, it’s easy for fear and misunderstandings to creep in. Some believe that immigrants bring more crime to America, but the truth is far from that. Research shows that immigrants don’t make the country less safe—they actually make it better. Let’s dive into the facts and break down this myth once and for all.

The Truth Behind Immigrant Crime: What the Facts Really Say!

Immigrants and Crime: What’s the Real Story?

For many years, illegal immigrant crime has been wrongly blamed for rising dangers in communities. This has happened with groups like the Irish, Italians, Chinese, and more recently, Muslims and Mexicans. People used this fear to divide others. Today, some politicians and news outlets still say there’s an “illegal immigration crime wave.”

What Does the Research Show?

Studies show the opposite of the common narrative. Research indicates that immigrants, including undocumented ones, commit fewer crimes than U.S.-born people. The fear of illegal immigrant crime doesn’t match the reality. 

This trend holds true in big cities, small towns, and rural areas. In fact, studies about the undocumented immigrant crime rate clearly show that the rate of crime among immigrants is lower than that of native-born citizens.

Why Do Some People Still Believe Immigrants Are Linked to Crime?

Some people think there is a connection between immigrant crime in the United States and illegal immigration. They may believe that illegal immigrants commit more crimes. This belief can be influenced by various factors, such as media reports and personal experiences. It’s mostly because of fear and misinformation. 

News stories often focus on whether a person is an immigrant when discussing crime. However, the statistics around crimes among illegal immigrants show that they’re less likely to commit crimes overall. Some might ask, “Is there really immigrant crime?” 

The answer is yes, like in any population, there are occasional criminal incidents. However, the overall crime rate for immigrants is significantly lower than for its U.S.-born citizens.

How Politicians and Fake News Influence the Narrative

Some politicians and news outlets use these fears to push their own agendas. For example, President Donald Trump’s previous administration often connected illegal immigration to violent illegal immigrant crime. He used this to support building a border wall and deporting more people. 

This rhetoric resurfaced in his 2024 campaign and continues to shape his upcoming administration's policies. While some crimes are committed by undocumented immigrants, these cases don’t show the bigger picture of illegal immigrant crime.

Interesting Finding:

From 2012 to 2018 in Texas, the arrest rates for U.S.-born citizens were higher than for undocumented immigrants. For violent crimes, U.S.-born citizens had 213 arrests per 100,000 people, while undocumented immigrants had 96.2 per 100,000. 

For drug crimes, the rate was 337.2 per 100,000 for U.S.-born citizens and 135 per 100,000 for undocumented immigrants. In the U.S., the arrest rate for property crimes was 165.2 per 100,000 for U.S.-born citizens. For undocumented immigrants, the rate was 38.5 per 100,000.

Get the truth about immigrant crime. Facts and stats show that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes, which makes communities safer.

False Stories About Immigrant Crime

False stories about illegal immigrant crime spread quickly online, causing unnecessary fear and harm despite being proven untrue.

1. Are Haitian Immigrants Eating Pets in Ohio?

This rumor started on Facebook and went viral, but it’s not true:

  • Leaders in Springfield, Ohio, said there is no proof of this happening.
  • The false story led to threats against Haitian immigrants in the area, making them scared for their safety.

2. Are Venezuelan Gangs Taking Over Apartments?

Some people said that gangs from Venezuela were controlling apartments in cities like Aurora, Colorado. However, officials say this did not happen

  • Police found no proof of gangs taking over buildings.
  • Stories like this create fear of illegal immigrant crime, even when they’re not true.

3. Did Migrants Hijack School Buses in San Diego?

Some people said migrants tried to take over school buses, but local officials said this never happened.

Immigration Is Rising, Crime Is Falling

The numbers tell an amazing story. Since 1980, the number of immigrants in the U.S. has doubled. During the same time, crime rates have dropped by more than 60%. Research clearly illustrates the declining crime rate of undocumented immigrants. This contradicts the idea that illegal immigration is linked to an increase in crime.

Let’s Look at the Facts

  • According to recent findings the following was determined regarding immigrant and crime:
    • In 1980, immigrants made up 6.2% of the population, and the crime rate was 5,900 crimes for every 100,000 people.
    • By 2022, immigrants were 13.9% of the population, yet the crime rate had fallen to 2,335 crimes for every 100,000 people.

  • Studies prove illegal immigrant crime rates are much lower than those of U.S.-born citizens:
    • A 2023 study found immigrants are 60% less likely to go to jail than U.S.-born citizens.
    • In Texas, undocumented immigrants were found to commit fewer crimes than U.S. citizens.

  • National crime numbers also show things are improving:
    • Violent crimes went down by 3% in 2023.
    • Murder rates dropped by 11.6% compared to 2022.

That’s a huge drop in crime, even though there are more immigrants in the country. This isn’t just for certain crimes—it’s true for both violent crimes and the category of illegal immigrant crime often discussed in political narratives.

Interesting Finding:

Immigrants are jailed at much lower rates than U.S.-born citizens. Studies show they are 60% less likely to go to jail. Most prosecutions are for immigration laws, not serious crimes. U.S.-born citizens are much more likely to go to jail for violent crimes, weapons offenses, and drug-related crimes.

The truth about immigrant crime: Stats reveal immigrants are less likely to commit crimes, improving safety in communities.

Why Are Immigrants Less Likely to Commit Crimes?

Here’s something you might not know: people born in the U.S. are twice as likely to be arrested for crimes compared to immigrants. Why is this? There are a few reasons:

Fear of Deportation

Many immigrants understand that a small mistake could lead to being sent out of the country. So, they are very careful to follow the rules.

A Strong Work Ethic

Most immigrants come to America to work hard, provide for their families, and create a better future.

Cultural and Family Values

Immigrants usually have strong connections to their families and communities. This helps them focus on living peacefully and avoiding any association with illegal immigrant crime.

Why Do Some People Still Believe the Myth?

If the facts are so clear, why do so many people still believe in the idea of an illegal immigration crime wave? Politicians and the media sometimes use these fears to promote their own ideas. For example, President Donald Trump often connected illegal immigration to violent illegal immigrant crime during his previous time in office.

He focused on stories about undocumented immigrants to support actions like building a border wall and increasing deportations. While some crimes are committed by undocumented immigrants, these cases don't reflect the actions of all immigrants. Here’s why:

The Media

Rare crimes involving immigrants are often talked about over and over on the news. This makes it seem like they happen all the time. Immigrant crime statistics show that they don’t.

Political Fear

Some leaders use stories to instill fear about immigration to gain support for their policies and political agendas.

Confirmation Bias

People tend to believe stories that match what they already think. If someone thinks illegal immigrant crime is common, they may ignore big studies and focus on small stories.

Social Media

Social media rumors talked about immigrants taking over buildings or doing bad things in small towns. These claims might sound scary, but experts and real data show something different.

Immigrants Make America Stronger

Immigrants don’t just avoid crime—they make the country better in so many ways:

They Create Jobs

Almost half of the biggest companies in America were started by immigrants or their children. This includes well-known companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Tesla. Immigrant business leaders continue to grow the U.S. economy by creating jobs through innovation.

They Help the Economy

Immigrants boost the United States economy by paying taxes, filling important jobs, creating jobs, and boosting local businesses.

They Add to the American Culture

Immigrants bring new ideas, delicious foods, exciting traditions, and fresh perspectives that make communities more vibrant and welcoming.

Immigrant crime facts: Evidence shows immigrants commit fewer crimes, making our communities safer.

Interesting Finding:

Some studies say that unauthorized immigrants commit fewer crimes because they fear being sent back to their home country and have more to lose. Research shows that as the number of unauthorized immigrants goes up:

  • Violent crime goes down or stays the same in some places.
  • Some cities have lower crime rates as more unauthorized immigrants move in.
  • There is no difference in crime rates between "sanctuary" cities and other cities.

Let’s Stick to the Facts

Here’s what the evidence shows us:

  • Immigration has increased, but crime has gone way down.
  • Immigrants are much less likely to commit crimes than people born in the U.S.
  • They make our communities safer, stronger, and more diverse.

It’s time to let go of old myths and look at the truth. Immigrants don’t take away from America—they help build it up. When we support immigrants and give them a chance to thrive, our whole country benefits.

So let’s choose facts over fear. Let’s build a future where everyone feels welcome. Because when immigrants succeed, we all succeed. Together, we can make America a better, safer, and more hopeful place for everyone.

We all deserve a conversation about immigration that’s based on facts, not fear. The truth is that immigrants play a key role in making the U.S. a safer and more prosperous place. When we focus on the real data, we can move past misconceptions and work together to create a stronger, united community.

Addressing Concerns About Crime and Illegal Immigration

It’s important to acknowledge that crimes have been committed by individuals who are in the U.S. illegally. High-profile cases, such as violent crimes by undocumented immigrants, have been used to fuel public fear. However, research consistently shows that undocumented immigrants are far less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens.

For example, a study by The Marshall Project found that immigration has no measurable impact on violent crime rates. The New York Times reported that areas with more undocumented immigrants had lower crime rates over time.

Debunking the Myth: More Immigrants, More Crime?

Let’s face it—this myth needs to go. The idea that more immigrants mean more crime has been proven wrong time and time again. Immigrants bring their talents, cultures, and dreams to this country. They help make the U.S. stronger, more diverse, and better.

For readers from immigrant backgrounds, know this: your contributions matter. You are part of a tradition of people who came to this country to build better lives for themselves and their families. And guess what? You’re helping build a better future for everyone else, too.

Embracing Diversity for Economic Prosperity

The stories of immigrant entrepreneurs underscore the immense value of diversity in our economy. Their contributions extend beyond economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating jobs. They also enrich our cultural landscape and strengthen our global connections.

Understanding and celebrating these contributions is crucial. It helps to foster a more welcoming environment for newcomers and combats negative stereotypes. It also highlights the importance of policies that support immigrant entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, embracing the diversity brought by immigrants is not just a moral imperative. It's a strategic move for economic prosperity. The success of these entrepreneurs is a testament to the potential of the American Dream.

Let's Build a Future Together

The truth about illegal immigrant crime is simple: immigrants don’t make America unsafe. In fact, they make our communities better. They work hard to build better lives for themselves and their families. They help make the United States a safer and more lively place to live.

It’s easy to let fear and false information confuse us. But when we look at the facts about the illegal immigrant crime rate, we see a different picture. This picture shows resilience, hope, and unity.

Let’s challenge harmful myths and celebrate the diversity that makes this country so unique. Together, we can create a future that welcomes everyone and ensures that no one is unfairly judged based on where they come from.

The true strength of America comes from its people. Each of us adds our dreams, cultures, and hard work. Together, we help this nation grow and succeed. Let’s choose compassion and truth, and build a community where everyone can thrive.

Please View Our Sources for More Details:

Authors: Jeff Cercone. (2024, September 29). What’s behind recent false claims about immigrants and crime in the US? Aljazeera.

Authors: American Immigration Council. (2024, October 17). Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime. American Immigration Council.

Authors: Ariel G. Ruiz Soto. (2024, October). Explainer: Immigrants and Crime in the United States. Migration Policy Institute.

Authors: National Institute of Justice. (2024, September 12). Undocumented Immigrant Offending Rate Lower Than U.S.-Born Citizen Rate. National Institute of Justice.

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