The protective influence of neighborhood immigration on violence is strongest in cities that are more open to immigrants

The null or protective impact of immigration on neighborhood violence is well-documented, but how do cities’ policies towards immigrants influence this protective relationship? Using data from 9,000 neighborhoods, Christopher J. Lyons, María B. Vélez, and Wayne A. Santoro find that neighborhoods benefit more in terms of reduced violence from immigration when they are located in “open” cities that have increased levels of minority representation in elected offices and law enforcement, pro-immigrant legislation, and a large proportion of Democratic voters. Cities that are more closed and have more punitive policies towards immigrants may actually decrease the potential benefits of immigration for neighborhood safety.