Integration narrative lacks evidence

Politicians often cite 'lack of integration' to explain why some ethnic or immigrant groups have higher crime rates, but careful scrutiny shows the mechanism is under‑supported by evidence and can be a shallow political explanation. Policymakers should distinguish correlation from mechanism and test alternative causes (labor market discrimination, policing practices, reporting differences) before reorienting law enforcement or immigration policy. — If widely accepted, the integration narrative can misdirect policy, stigmatize communities, and harden partisan immigration politics; exposing weak evidence changes what reforms are prioritized.