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Australian Immigrants and Crime: A Review Essay

NCJ Number
114123
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1988) Pages: 179-185
Author(s)
G Geis; P Jesilow
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the relationship between ethnicity and crime in Australia and implications for immigration policy as presented in a report from the Australian Institute of Criminology.
Abstract
The report discusses Australia as a 'multicultural society,' the ethnocentric perceptions of the population, and the intense concern that the country will open its borders to aliens seeking entry, especially Asians. It is reported that first generation immigrants show lower prison rates despite higher than average unemployment and other adjustment difficulties; crime goes up with time of residence in Australia; and the overall lower proportion of migrants in prison camouflages distinctions among ethnic groups. A roster of questions is included to challenge persons interested in conducting further research into the relationship between ethnicity and crime.