AEA Papers and Proceedings
ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)
Birthright Citizenship and Youth Crime
AEA Papers and Proceedings
(pp. 331–336)
Abstract
This paper studies the impact of birthright citizenship on youth crime. We leverage a reform that automatically granted birthright citizenship to eligible immigrant children born in Germany after January 1, 2000 and administrative crime data from three federal states. Immigrant youth who acquired citizenship at birth are substantially less likely to engage in criminal activity, with estimates indicating a 70 percent reduction. These results are particularly relevant in light of ongoing debates in the United States about abolishing birthright citizenship. Our findings suggest that inclusive citizenship policies can reduce crime and its associated costs, which in turn could strengthen social cohesion.Citation
Andres, Leander, Stefan Bauernschuster, Gordon B. Dahl, Helmut Rainer, and Simone Schüller. 2026. "Birthright Citizenship and Youth Crime." AEA Papers and Proceedings 116: 331–336. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20261097Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
- J18 Demographic Economics: Public Policy
- K37 Immigration Law
- K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law