Study Finds No Link Between Migration and Increased Crime in Germany

Research by the ifo Institute reveals that migration does not raise local crime rates, with socioeconomic factors playing a larger role in crime patterns.

• An ifo Institute study analyzed crime data across German counties from 2018 to 2023 and found no statistical connection between rising migrant populations and local crime rates.
• Migrants are overrepresented in crime statistics due to their higher likelihood of living in urban areas with elevated crime rates, not because of higher criminal tendencies.
• The study also found no link between migration and severe crimes such as homicide or sexual offenses when accounting for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
• Researchers emphasized the importance of integrating migrants into the labor market to reduce crime risks, suggesting measures like faster recognition of foreign qualifications and aligning asylum seeker placements with regional job demands.
• The findings align with international research showing migration does not systematically increase crime in host countries, challenging common misconceptions about migrant criminality.

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