The narrative and the numbers: how does migration affect crime?

The narrative and the numbers: how does migration affect crime?
Research does not show a consistent link between migration and crime. In fact, across OECD countries, an increase in immigration has not seen an increase in the crime rate (particularly property, violent, and drug crime). However, a closer look at the figures reveals significant variation, depending on immigration policies, immigrants’ backgrounds, and the post-arrival conditions. For instance, a study of 128 countries found that while migration was positively associated with crime in countries such as Iran and Ukraine, it was associated with lower crime indices in Egypt, Mauritius and the United States. Similarly, in the UK, the proportion of non-citizens among people convicted or incarcerated is similar to that of the adult population (about 12%), or lower once age is taken into account (non-citizens tend to be younger, and young men are more likely to commit crimes).

The narrative and the numbers: how does migration affect crime? – UK in a changing Europe

Ali Ahmadi, Catherine Barnard and Fiona Costello argue that, contrary to common media narratives, there is no clear link between increased migration and higher crime rates.