Race/Ethnicity, Foreign-Born Status, and Victimization in Seattle, WA

Abstract

Despite growing interest in immigration, little is known about the impact of foreign-born status on victimization or the factors that account for any variation in victimization between foreign-born and U.S.-born individuals. In recognizing that not all foreign-born individuals may have the same experiences, this study takes the initiative to examine the effects of foreign-born status on risks of victimization across Whites, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics/Latinos. Based on data from a large random sample of Seattle residents, we find that race/ethnicity and foreign-born status have some interaction effects on criminal victimization, particularly on violent victimization. While foreign-born Latinos have higher risks of property victimization than native-born Latinos, they, along with foreign-born Asians, have lower risks of violent victimization than their native-born counterparts. Indicators of routine activities/lifestyle theory attenuate, to a limited extent, the effects of race/ethnicity and foreign-born status on victimization. Research implications are discussed.