Crime has been committed by immigrants, and people have sought to study the relationship between immigration and crime. This has controversially long been a subject of debate, and recently systematic empirical evidence on this issue has been brought to light that has encouraged political discourse on the matter.[1]
Immigrants are disproportionately represented in the prison populations of many Western countries, with the notable exception of the United States.[2][3] Muslim immigrants, along with Muslims in general, are overrepresented in prison populations of Europe, including the UK, France and Germany,[4][5][6] and Muslims are also disproportionately overrepresented in Indian prisons with Muslim immigrants being the primary source of illegal immigration.[7][8] Israel also has a sizable overrepresentation of Palestinian and Arab prisoners.[9]
Some scholars argue that data of crime rates among immigrants is often inflated because it includes imprisonment for migration offenses or due to racial and ethnic discrimination by police and the judicial system, which can result in higher conviction rates for immigrants relative to the actual number of crimes committed.[10][11] Research suggests that people overestimate the impact of immigration on crime, in part due to sensational media coverage or narratives pushed by politicians. This fear of crime can lead to increases in hate crimes against immigrants, as well as harsher immigration policies like family separation.[12]
:70 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).The principal findings suggest, in most European countries, a significantly higher rate of foreign citizens held in prison compared to non‐immigrants.
Although most research shows immigration has either no impact or a minimal impact on crime, many people seem to believe the connection exists. It seems hostility against immigrants isn't crime itself but false perceptions about crime.