Immigration, Crime, and Crime (Mis)Perceptions
72 Pages Posted: 2 Dec 2020 Last revised: 26 Oct 2022
Date Written: September 2, 2020
Abstract
This paper studies the effects of immigration on crime and crime perceptions in Chile, where the foreign-born population tripled in less than ten years. We document null effects of immigration on crime but positive and significant effects on crime-related concerns and on preventive behavioral responses, such as investing in home security. We explore several channels and provide suggestive evidence related to low versus high-education immigrants, ethnic-related intergroup threats, and the role of local media.
Keywords: crime, immigration, crime perception, crime beliefs
JEL Classification: O15, F22, K1
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation