Immigration and Crime

Extremists Hijack Immigration Debate: Increased Reports of Hate Crimes and Discrimination Aimed at U.S.- and Foreign-Born Latinos

Information and examples on how the immigration debate has spurred discrimination, hate, and violence.

Published On: Sun, Mar 30, 2008 | Download File

Immigrants and Crime: Setting the Record Straight

During the current contentious and highly emotional national debate over U.S. immigration policy, many pundits and policymakers have tried to draw a connection between undocumented immigrants and high rates of crime and incarceration. However, the

Published On: Thu, Mar 13, 2008 | Download File

"On the Beat": New Roles and Challenges for Immigrant Police and Firefighters

By Stewart J. Lawrence

The mainstream media, conservative politicians, and even some police organizations continue to promote stereotypes of immigrants as insufficiently “loyal” to America to serve in law-enforcement jobs. Ironically, similar fears were expressed about earlier generations of Irish and Italian immigrants whose dedicated public service helped usher in the modern urban police department. Today, immigrants are once again a vital part of law enforcement as patrol officers and detectives, and in a wide range of police auxiliary roles. Immigrants are also making important contributions to local communities as municipal firefighters and seasonal workers contracted by the federal government to fight deadly and destructive wild fires. America’s streets are unquestionably safer and our neighborhoods more peaceful thanks to the growing number of immigrants available to serve and protect.Read more...

Published On: Sat, Dec 01, 2007 | Download File