Early 20th-Century (1908-1941) Professionals' Perceptions on the Relationship between Immigration and Crime

Overview

This study focuses on immigration and crime in the United States in the early 20th century. Research Questions are, 1) How did social workers and other professionals write about the relationship between immigration and crime, based on Leong’s invasion vs. enrichment theory? 2) How did these professionals describe the relationship?

Abstract

Background and Purpose. From before the Wickersham Commission of 1931, professionals have blamed high crime rates on immigrants. Yet from as early as 1931, researchers and writers have argued that immigration does not increase “crime” (defined as incarceration rate). Leong (2008) proposes an invasion vs. enrichment theory as to the different lenses professionals have viewed immigrants from, in intercultural societies. This study focuses on immigration and crime in the United States in the early 20th century.
Research Questions. 1) How did early 20th century social workers and other professionals report the relationship between immigration and crime, based on Leong’s invasion vs. enrichment theory, according to different factors? 2) If these social workers focused on both invasion and enrichment, how did they describe the relationship between immigration and crime?
Primary Documents. Centered on the Wickersham Commission of 1931, historical documents range from before (1908-) to after (-1941).
Methods. Archival and historical research was conducted. This review used thematic analysis methods (Braun and Clarke, 2012).
Results. Various professionals, from 1908 through 1941, took various stances concerning the relationship between immigrants and crime, following Leong’s (2008) “invasion and enrichment” distinction. It was mostly Invasion (Gilded Age and Progressive Era); Invasion with a hint of Enrichment (1920s); Enrichment (1931 Wickersham Commission); Both Invasion and Enrichment (Early Great Depression); Neither Invasion nor Enrichment (Later Great Depression); and Enrichment (WWII). They also looked at differing factors that led to linking or cutting the linkage between immigration and crime.
Conclusions and Implications. Social workers, when conducting research, should always consider how their research can either harm or benefit the marginalized. Further, trends in an era’s ideas are not absolute; they must stand the test of time.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to analyze the relationship between immigration and crime in the early 20th century United States, based on Leong’s (2008) invasion vs. enrichment theory.
2. Participants will be able to establish a more balanced view of the relationship between immigration and crime in the U.S., as it was in the early 20th century.
3. Participants will be able to relate to immigrants in a way that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.