Does Immigration Increase Crime? : Migration Policy and the Creation of the Criminal Immigrant

The link between immigration and crime is highly contentious, with little empirical evidence to support it. What does the data actually say, and how can policy makers use it to challenge preconceptions? This book will appeal to students and academics across the social sciences, as well as citizens interested in this topical issue.

Do migrants lead to an increase of crime rates in their host societies? This highly contentious issue has become a mainstay in the political debate and a lightning rod for the galvanization of populist movements, despite often lacking any empirical support. In this game-changing book, the authors examine what the existing data actually says, and provide their own novel evidence on the immigration-crime connection. Taking the unusual approach of analysing the subject from an economic perspective, the authors build on the pioneering work of Nobel Prize winner Gary Becker to construct their innovative arguments. By considering evidence from different countries, with a focus on establishing causal relationships, the authors are able to analyse not only if migrants do cause crime but also whether migration policies can play a role in shaping incentives for migrants to engage in crime. This book will appeal to students and academics across the social sciences, as well as citizens interested in this topical issue.