Professor focuses on immigration research
Charis E. Kubrin, professor of criminology, law and society at the University of California, Irvine, has been named a 2025 American Sociological Association (ASA) Policy Outreach Program (POP) Fellow. The prestigious fellowship recognizes scholars committed to bridging the gap between academic research and public policy.
During her year-long fellowship, Kubrin will enhance her media training skills and refine her ability to communicate complex research findings to policymakers and the public. She will develop and share communication tools such as policy briefs and elevator pitches, focusing on her area of expertise: immigration and crime.
The POP fellowship follows Kubrin’s UCDC Presidential Fellow appointment earlier this year. As part of that inaugural fellowship, she shared her research and expertise on immigration and crime with interested policymakers.
“I learned so much and gained many new skills as a UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellow,” Kubrin states, “but there is even more to learn and additional skills to gain so I'm excited to begin this fellowship, which will allow me to continue to amplify the impact of my research.”
Kubrin's work critically examines the increasing trend of local police enforcing immigration laws, a practice known as “devolution.” This shift is exemplified by policies such as 287(g) agreements, the Secure Communities Program, the Criminal Alien Program, and the recent Laken Riley Act. While proponents argue these measures enhance interior enforcement, Kubrin's research reveals several concerns:
- Devolution policies do not improve public safety, as they are based on flawed assumptions about widespread immigrant criminality.
- These practices often target low-level offenders rather than serious criminals.
- They harm police-community relations, potentially increasing crime rates as immigrants become reluctant to report crimes or victimization.
- There is a risk of racial profiling and other abuses.
- Devolution efforts have significant human costs, including the trauma experienced by children of deported parents.
Kubrin's research also explores policy responses to devolution. A recent study assessed crime rates following California’s transition to a sanctuary state with the passage of SB54. Using quasi-experimental methods, she found that SB54 did not significantly impact statewide crime rates, contrary to some claims.
“My research, along with meta-analyses of existing literature and a recent comprehensive book, consistently shows that immigrants, including undocumented individuals, are generally less crime-prone than their native-born counterparts,” Kubrin explains. “Moreover, immigration to an area is not associated with increased crime rates. These findings raise important questions about the effectiveness of recent devolution policies and practices.”
As part of her fellowship, Kubrin will collaborate with ASA's partners in think tanks, legislative offices, and other organizations to leverage research and data for influencing public policy and enhancing broader understanding of sociological concepts related to immigration and crime.
The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for her to translate her academic insights into practical policy recommendations, potentially reshaping the national conversation on immigration and law enforcement.
Kubrin’s latest research is documented in the following recent books and articles she has authored or co-authored:
- Immigration and Crime: Taking Stock — This book provides an overview of research on the relationship between immigration and crime, summarizing what we know so far.
- Punishing Immigrants: Policy, Politics, and Injustice — This book examines how immigrants are treated in the criminal justice system, focusing on policies and practices that may be unfair to them.
- Immigration and Crime: Is the Relationship Non-Linear? — This study suggests that the relationship between immigration and crime might not be straightforward. It could be more complex than simply saying immigration increases or decreases crime.
- Immigrant Victimization: Centering Language in Theory, Data and Method — This article emphasizes the importance of considering language when studying crimes against immigrants. It suggests that language barriers might affect how these crimes are reported and understood.
- Control and Compassion: The 1994 Crime Bill and Immigration — This piece looks at how the 1994 Crime Bill affected immigration policies, balancing control measures with compassionate approaches.
- Sanctuary Status and Crime in California: What’s the Connection? — This study examines whether “sanctuary” policies in California (which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement) affect crime rates.
- Institutional Completeness and Crime Rates in Immigrant Neighborhoods — This research explores how the completeness of immigrant communities (in terms of services and institutions) relates to crime rates in those neighborhoods.
- Immigration and Crime: Assessing a Contentious Issue — This article reviews the current state of knowledge about the relationship between immigration and crime, addressing common misconceptions and summarizing research findings.
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