Do immigrants affect crime? Evidence for Germany

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

The paper empirically analyses the causal relationship between immigrants and crime using data for German administrative districts between 2008 and 2019. Before the refugee crisis (2008–2014), an increase in the current share of immigrants increased the total crime rate. In contrast, the effect was negative (or insignificant) during and after the refugee crisis (2015–2019). When analysing the total period, the estimates average out to zero. Studying more closely the composition of the migrant group, a plausible explanation of the negative (or insignificant) effect of immigrants on crime in the later period is related to a larger share of migrants with a less certain residence status.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)486-512
Number of pages27
JournalJournal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Volume211
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85160563340

Keywords