Immigration and Crime: Not what you might think

Posted on: June 17th, 2011 by Smart on Crime

Waterloo Region is host to the fifth largest population of newcomers in Canada. As a student completing my masters in social work and doing a work placement at the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council (WRCPC), I’ve come to wonder about the perceptions that citizens have about immigration and crime. During my time at WRCPC, this topic really caught my interest because I am very interested in new comers’ experiences and addressing the challenges they face when integrating into Canadian society.

Last year, approximately 280,000 immigrants were granted permanent residence status in Canada, making 2010 the highest in over fifty years. In the June issue of The Walrus magazine, Rachel Giese writes a very relevant article, “Arrival of the Fittest”. She sets the context for a discussion on dropping crime rates and rising immigrant within the story of a ship from Sri Lanka carrying 492 Tamils, including women and children. She brings attention to the poor reception of these refugees who desired to come to Canada to flee the devastation in their country, twenty-six years of civil war and the 2004 tsunami. Giese talks about Canada’s lack of understanding or empathy for this population, who have been referred to as “gatecrashers” for wanting to come to Canada for safety.

Canada’s acceptance of immigrants has become and will continue to become one of the staples of our economy. In my studies I have come to understand that not only is immigration necessary for the stability of our workforce and economy, but it also allows Canada to welcome a variety of talented, caring and unique individuals and families into our diverse nation. Giese points to a recent Canadian poll that found that 46% of Canadians believed immigration was having a negative effect on the country. Additionally, she mentions that “in times of social upheaval and economic hardship, immigrants are a convenient scapegoat, accused of bringing with them an element of deviance and criminality: they upset the social order, the line goes, steal our jobs and our property, and ruin our neighborhoods.”

But, is there really evidence to show that immigration contributes to higher crime rates? On the contrary, “Arrival of the Fittest” suggests that crime rates are dropping as immigration increases, especially in areas with high immigrant populations. Several American studies mentioned in this Time magazine article show similar evidence that increased immigration does not lead to increased crime. For example, results of one study showed that third generation Americans were 45% more likely to commit violent acts than first generation immigrants of any background.

I believe that we have some valuable lessons to learn from the sense of community and support that new comer populations often bring with them from other countries. A connected community means a strong community. Instead of allowing new comers to become the “scapegoat” for criminal activity and crime rates, Canadians should take advantage of the opportunity to get to know their neighbours, no matter where they were born, and forge a new, stronger sense of community. A community where neighbours accept, care and look out for one another. Just some food for thought!

Author: Jacinda Clouthier
In addition to completing her Masters of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, Jacinda works with Veteran’s Affairs in Pembroke,Ontario, assisting ill or injured military members upon their return from the Canadian Forces.

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