Why do Americans think more immigration means more crime?

The findings, over decades, are clear: Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. Yet 42% of Americans still say immigration is making crime worse in the United States, according to a 2019 Gallup Poll. 

“It’s very frustrating, because as much data as we have, the gap between perception and reality stays pretty firmly established,” says Charis Kubrin, professor of criminology, law and society. 

In this episode of “Perception Gaps: Locked Up,” Christian Science Monitor reporters explore the myth of “the dangerous immigrant,” the policies the stereotype has produced, and the impact our assumptions have on the institutions we build. 

Listen to the podcast