American Economic Journal:
Applied Economics
ISSN 1945-7782 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7790 (Online)
Immigration, Crime, and Crime (Mis)Perceptions
American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
vol. 15,
no. 4, October 2023
(pp. 142–76)
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, ethnicity-related intergroup threats, and the role of local media.Citation
Ajzenman, Nicolás, Patricio Dominguez, and Raimundo Undurraga. 2023. "Immigration, Crime, and Crime (Mis)Perceptions." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 15 (4): 142–76. DOI: 10.1257/app.20210156Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
- K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
- L82 Entertainment; Media
- O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
- O17 Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements