Examining the Potential Association Between Immigration and Criminal Involvement Using a Nationally Representative and Longitudinal Sample of Youth

Citation

Rima, Dzhansarayeva; Yerbol, Alimkulov; Batyrbek, Shopabayev; Orynbassar, Tlepbergenov; & Beaver, Kevin M. (2019). Examining the Potential Association Between Immigration and Criminal Involvement Using a Nationally Representative and Longitudinal Sample of Youth. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.

Abstract

There has been a great deal of debate regarding the association between immigration and criminal involvement. Against this backdrop, this study sought to make an incremental increase to the literature by examining the nexus between immigration and crime. To do so, data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 7,622–8,334). The results of the multivariate regression models revealed no evidence that immigrants, in comparison with U.S. citizens, self-reported more involvement in nonviolent delinquency or violent delinquency. Where statistically significant effects did emerge, U.S. citizens reported greater involvement in these acts. Moreover, the analyses also did not provide any evidence that immigrants were more likely than U.S. citizens to report being arrested, pleading guilty, being sentenced to probation, or being incarcerated. Once again, U.S. citizens were significantly more likely to have contact with the criminal justice system when compared with immigrants. These results suggest that the potential link between immigration and crime is likely complex and is not a straightforward association. We conclude by discussing some of the implications of the findings and directions for future research.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519888531

Keyword(s)

Add Health

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Author(s)

Rima, Dzhansarayeva
Yerbol, Alimkulov
Batyrbek, Shopabayev
Orynbassar, Tlepbergenov
Beaver, Kevin M.

Year Published

2019

DOI

10.1177/0886260519888531

Reference ID

6590