Some people believe that immigrants are more likely than native U.S. citizens to be arrested for criminal activity. The type of criminal activity they suspect may vary, including accusations of financial crimes, shoplifting, drug use, drunk driving and more.
But is this perspective accurate? It is not. Although some individuals may hold this belief, the statistics don’t support it. Research shows that U.S.-born citizens are actually far more likely to break the law than immigrants. According to one study, immigrants are approximately 60% less likely to find themselves behind bars than native-born citizens.
Significant ramifications
One reason for this discrepancy may be that immigrants are acutely aware of the serious ramifications of breaking the law. These consequences may begin with fines or jail time, just as they would for U.S. citizens, but immigrants face additional risks.
For instance, immigrants may worry about being accused of committing a crime of moral turpitude—something that is generally “shocking” to the public or a more serious crime—which could result in deportation. Because of this heightened awareness, immigrants may take extra care to follow the law.
Regardless of why the statistics fall this way, it’s important to note that immigrants are generally more law-abiding than those born in the United States. The narrative suggesting otherwise appears to be driven more by sensationalism and fear than by statistical reality.
Immigrants face many challenges in the United States, and the misconceptions outlined above are just one example. It’s crucial for immigrants to understand their legal rights and the steps they can take to protect their status, especially when facing criminal accusations.