The Effect of E-Verify Laws on Crime

E-Verify laws, which have been adopted by 23 states, require employers to verify whether new employees are eligible legally work prior employment. This study explores the impact of state laws on crime. Using data from 2004–2015 National Incident Based Reporting System, authors find that enactment is associated with a 7% reduction in property crime incidents involving Hispanic arrestees. finding was strongest for universal mandates extend private and its external validity bolstered evidence Uniform Crime Reports. Supplemental analyses Current Population Survey suggest two mechanisms explain this result: E-Verify-induced increases employment low-skilled natives descent out-migration younger Hispanics. Findings show no arrests were displaced nearby jurisdictions without or violent African Americans affected laws. The magnitudes estimates averted $491 million costs United States.