Crime and Victimization on the US-Mexico Border: A Comparison of Legal Residents, Illegal Residents and Native-Born Citizens

This research project has three aims. First, it will explore whether prior deportations are associated with subsequent criminal activity, and compare levels of crime among illegal residents who overstayed their visas with those who crossed the border without inspection.

Second, it will assess associations between crime and immigration status from individuals from a number of different countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico—the specific nations that currently have the highest immigration-sending levels to the U.S.

Third, the proposed research will further explore the potential role of social support in the relationship between acculturation and crime. The data used in this study will consist of: (1) official data from a large sample of adult inmates from El Paso, Texas and (2) interview data from a subsample of these inmates. The administrative data will be joined with tract-level U.S. Census Data on neighborhood- level characteristics that have been associated with criminal behavior, and previously collected neighborhood-level cultural factors including acculturation, adherence to street codes, and police legitimacy. The research will be conducted via two studies. In Study 1, researchers will combine data that is collected by the El Paso Sheriff's Office with data from the U.S. Census with data collected as part of an earlier study by the Co-PI. In Study 2, researchers will conduct interviews with inmates at the jail.

"Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF