The Myth That Immigration Leads to High Crime Rates

Some politicians are responsible for stoking the myth that immigrants, especially Mexicans, are causing crime waves according to a new study by Harvard sociologist
Robert Sampson. His study shows that rising immigration, especially from Mexico, does not drive up crime rates. In fact, the opposite is true: first generation Mexican-Americans are the least likely to commit crimes.

Sampson studied police records, U.S Census data and surveyed more than 8,000 Chicago residents. During the period of high illegal immigration in the 1990s, crimes actually fell in immigration hot spots, even those states with a border with Mexico where the issue has been politicized. For example, crimes fell in Los Angeles (down 45 % overall), and in San Jose, Dallas and Phoenix.

Sampson cites immigrants'ambition, desire to work and fear of deportation contributing to the low rates of run-ins with the law. He suggests that the popular contrary public perception that immigrants cause crime is because it is so easy for politicians to blame illegal immigration on community problems.