Crime and immigration are often mistakenly linked when people focus on belief and ideology instead of research. Hoping to address these misconceptions, officials in California State University, Northridge’s Criminology and Justice Studies Department will host the discussion, “Does More Immigration Mean More Crime?”

Northeastern University professor Ramiro Martinez Jr., will lead the discussion,
“Does More Immigration Mean More Crime.” Photo credit: Northeastern University

The discussion will feature Ramiro Martinez Jr., a professor at Northeastern University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Department of Sociology and Anthropology. The event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Whitsett Room of Sierra Hall, located on the southwest side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. The public is invited to attend the event.

“There is a need to inform the public with real science and to challenge stereotypes,” said Vickie Jensen, the department chair of Criminology and Justice Studies. “Between the federal government’s misleading claims, people’s concern about immigration and the whittling away of the knowledge of crime, we have a greater need to hear from the experts who have done research.”

Martinez is a quantitative criminologist who contributes to research on violent crime. His core research examines violence in various ecological settings, and he examines the way violent crime and lethal victimization vary by ethnic and immigrant groups. Martinez has received several honors and awards in areas of race, crime and justice. He also is the author of the book, “Latino Homicide: Immigration, Violence and Community.”

During the discussion, Martinez will address common misconceptions and present his research about the relationship between immigration and crime. Additionally he will discuss the national implications of his research. A Q&A session will follow the discussion.

“We are pleased to present Dr. Martinez because he does high quality research and shows students what’s possible for their futures, even if they believe they can’t be a professor or researcher,” said Jensen. “Students will get exposure to another person like themselves who’s accomplished a great deal. Martinez is a role model to all of us, especially scholars of color.”

The event is sponsored by CSUN’s Department of Criminology and Justice Studies, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Research and Graduate Studies’ Distinguished Visiting Speakers.

For more information, please call (818) 677-2117 or email cjs@csun.edu.

Immigration