Description
Book SynopsisDo 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
Trade Review'This excellent book pushes the research frontier by insisting on careful attention to the multiple policy levers available to countries when setting (and enforcing) immigration policy. Despite widely-held concerns of many citizens that immigrants drive crime rates up, in countries with long histories of substantial inflows of immigrants or where immigrants are legally allowed to work in the formal labor market, crime rates have not risen and, in some cases, have fallen. The broad implication that economic, policy, and cultural context can drive crime impacts makes this essential reading for everyone charged with developing immigration policy positions.' Anne Piehl, Director of the Program in Criminal Justice, Rutgers University
'… the question of immigrant criminality as a component of overall immigrant value is salient, and this work contributes to the search for an answer, albeit in an extremely scholarly manner.' R. F. Zeidel, Choice
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Immigration and crime: perceptions and reality; 2. Migration policy and crime in Italy; 3. Immigration and crime in the United Kingdom; 4. The case of the United States; 5. Refugee waves and crime: evidence from EU countries; Conclusion; Appendices; References.
