Abstract:
Despite making up a relatively low share of the population, adolescents account for a disproportionately high incidence of registered offenders. An innovative empirical approach finds causal evidence that a reform of citizenship law has a significant impact on reducing youth crime. Birthright citizenship (jus soli) reduces crime among second- and thirdgeneration immigrant youth by about 70 percent. The positive effect on crime may be due to improved educational outcomes and greater career opportunities. Given the debates in several countries on restricting or even abolishing access to citizenship, these findings are highly relevant.
