Causes Of Crime Among Immigrants

Look just about anywhere and you can find news articles on another vandalized house of worship or a video of a man yelling at a group of colored children that they don’t belong, and shouldn’t be in his America. But why? What causes this hate and stigma? The most popular belief generalizes immigrants as criminals and thieves but what’s the truth? Interestingly enough, research shows that immigrants are less likely to commit a crime than native US citizens. They are so unlikely to commit crimes that out of the 43 million (legal and illegal) immigrants living in the U.S, only 1.9 million have been convicted.
The Numbers All data proves that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes and no solid evidence can hold up the ideas behind the accusation
of immigrants being rapists or convicts. An article published by the New York Times titled, “Contrary to Trump’s Claims, Immigrants are Less Likely to Commit Crimes” cites an analysis of census data collected from 1980 to 2010 which looks at every immigrant in the U.S and found that, “ Ages 18 to 49, immigrants are one-half to one-fifth as likely to be incarcerated as those born in the United States.” This data is alarming as it brings to light the fact that not only are the immigrants not more likely than native born citizens to be convicted, but they are far less likely to be put in jail in the first place! The Department of Homeland Security estimates that, “1.9 million non citizens living in the United States - whether legally or illegally - have been convicted of criminal offenses and could be deported.” ”With about 43 million foreign-born people living in the country, and about 11 million of them here illegally,” (to give context, the United States “Population Clock” provided for by the U.S government currently reads at 324,781,300, but numbers vary every second). According to the Prison Police Initiative, the United States locks up more people than any other country. There are 2.3 million people locked up with another 4.7 million on parole. Every year, 641,000 people walk free of jails, but people go to jail over 11 million times a year! So what causes these assumptions and where somewhere along the lines does the truth get replaced? Turning to the mainstream media may just give you your answer.
Media Influences
Many people have come to think that immigrants are crime lords and up to no good, but why?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, Donald Trump. Throughout the ceremony held to announce his presidency, he had some interesting things to say about immigrants. “When Mexico sends its people, their not sending their best,” “They’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bring those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.” After blatantly accusing a group of people for being rapists and drug pushers he adds, “And some, I assume, are good people.” It is these comments broadcasted to these big figures’ audience of millions that can shape the public's view. In Donald Trump’s executive order, he states that the majority of people entering the country illegally “present a significant threat to national security and public safety.” By not fact checking and just absorbing the opinions that are told to you, you create a divide and prejudice against immigrants based off of false assumptions. But what kind of threat do the pose? In his first speech to Congress, Donald Trump explains that America is “in an environment of lawless chaos.” and the only way to bring success to the nation is to “restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.” Trump adds that we should try to attract high skilled workers instead of the low skilled ones we have that contribute to the nation's problems. Perhaps we should try to target high skilled
workers but it is these “low skilled” workers that hold up the nation's economy by doing the jobs that no one else will. (Refer to Allison Hecht’s article for more on how immigrants affect the economy). Much of the stigma around immigrants is fictitious and passed on by major influences in our country like public figures.
Horrendous Hate As our country divides to take sides, chaos and violence erupts. Many people are now taking their ideas to the streets in a physical demonstrations of what they believe in. Many peaceful walks and protest on both sides of the debate have taken place but in some cases, savage acts of hatred are committed. A recent shooting at a bar confirms the fear that people are not afraid to do whatever it takes to keep people out. Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani were enjoying a drink at a local bar in Kansas when Adam W. Purinton began his assault. Purinton first questioned the two Indian immigrants about their legal status here in America. An interview with Madasani revealed he had asked what visas they were on and if they were legal or not. The New York Times states, Both he and Mr. Kuchibhotla were educated in the United States and were working and living in the country legally.” He suggested they did not belong and for that he was thrown out. Shortly after, he returned with a gun and shot both men. Tragically, Mr. Kuchibhotla was fatally injured, fortunately, Mr. Madasani was able to recover. It wasn’t just these two men who got shot, a fellow costumer Ian Grillot was also shot at the scene when he attempted to catch and stop Purinton as he fled. The White House published a statement calling the shooting “an act of racially motivated hatred.” Adam W. Purinton was charged with “ Premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of attempted premeditated first degree murder.” There is no place in America for this kind of behavior. It should never be allowed for a group of people to be subject to the torment and abuse that these men were. America in its entirety needs to become more accepting and aware of the people around them. There is no just reason for harming someone all because you don’t want them there.
Looking Ahead What lays ahead for the the immigrants of America

Ready For Respect Political figures influence many in the world, a “fact” ( true or false ) can spread like wildfire.
The unjustified discrimination against the immigrant population is outdated and incredibly offensive. Not to mention the fact that being treated differently because of where you came from or what you look like can be debilitating and crush someone's confidence. The damage is done, anyone subject to harassment brought on by their origin will feel that judgement. Srinivas Kuchibhotla will never be able to experience life again because someone felt that he shouldn't be in America. Now, it is up to the whole world to become more open to foreigners settling where they live. There are things you can do as well, think before you speak and be mindful of the things you say to someone. The more you do this, the more you can contribute to a better world, you can be a positive
change.