For decades, the myth that immigrants, especially undocumented ones, are more likely to commit crimes has shaped U.S. immigration policy and public opinion. This idea has deep roots in American history, resurfacing time and again, often during moments of political tension or change. Despite its persistence, there is no factual basis to support it. In reality, this narrative has been used to justify harsh enforcement tactics, detention, and deportations. But the data tells a different, and far more accurate, story.
What the Evidence Says
Study after study has debunked the idea that immigrants are more prone to criminal behavior than native-born Americans. In fact, the opposite is true. A 2024 article from Northeastern University highlights the work of criminologists Ramiro Martinez and Jacob Stowell, who found that communities with higher immigrant populations tend to experience less violence. Many immigrants live with constant fear of legal trouble and deportation. Drawing attention to themselves is the last thing they want; most are focused on working hard and building safer lives for their families.
Long-term data backs this up. A study from Stanford’s Institute for Economic Policy Research examined more than 140 years of crime statistics. It found that first-generation immigrants are significantly less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born individuals. Today, immigrants are 60% less likely to be imprisoned than U.S.-born citizens. Despite this, the myth continues, often propped up by misleading enforcement data and sensational headlines.
How the Narrative Gets Built
Part of the problem lies in how government agencies define and publicize so-called “criminal aliens.” The Oxford Centre for Criminology notes that these labels are often applied to people with low-level offenses, like traffic violations or immigration-related infractions. These individuals may be years removed from any legal trouble, but are still grouped in ways that suggest they pose a danger.
Enforcement actions also shape public perception. In May 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained nearly 1,500 individuals in Massachusetts. However, ICE stated that 54% had criminal convictions or charges, leaving nearly half with no criminal record. These large-scale actions receive intense media coverage, which can leave the public with the impression that crime is surging, when in fact, what’s rising is the visibility of enforcement, not criminal behavior. Where enforcement happens matters, too, as reported by the Boston Globe, ICE has resumed arrests at and near Massachusetts courthouses, including those of people attending immigration hearings. These tactics deter immigrants from showing up for court or reporting crimes, which undermines both safety and trust in public institutions.
The performative nature of recent enforcement actions, clearly intended to draw as much media attention as possible, also plays a powerful role in influencing public perception. It’s no wonder that constant coverage of arrests and raids shapes how people feel. When immigration enforcement dominates the news, it’s easy to assume there’s a crime problem. But the evidence is clear: immigrants are not the threat they’re so often made out to be.
Americans Want Fairness
Despite loud rhetoric, most Americans support a fairer approach. According to a 2025 National Immigration Forum survey, 63% believe everyone should have the right to defend themselves in court before being deported. That reflects a broad commitment to due process and fundamental fairness, values that should also guide how we treat immigrants.
Why This Matters
Mislabeling immigrants as criminals doesn’t just distort facts; it has real-world consequences. It breaks apart families, discourages cooperation with law enforcement, and fuels policies that undermine civil liberties. It also creates divisions within immigrant communities. The false “good immigrant vs. bad immigrant” narrative pressures people to prove their worth while distancing themselves from others. That weakens solidarity and distracts from the real issues, like a lack of access to legal representation or unjust enforcement practices. To build a humane, just, and effective immigration system, we have to leave fear behind. The “criminal immigrant” myth isn’t just wrong, it’s harmful. And it’s time we replaced it with the truth.