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Border Apprehensions and Federal Sentencing of Hispanic Citizens in the United States

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Listed:
  • Simone Bertoli
  • Morgane Laouenan
  • Jérôme Valette

Abstract

We provide evidence that Hispanic citizens receive significantly longer sentences than non-Hispanic citizens in the Federal Criminal Justice System in the United States when a higher number of illegal aliens are apprehended along the southwest border. Apprehensions can increase the salience of Hispanic ethnic identity, which is associated with persistent negative stereotypes, and can also deteriorate attitudes toward Hispanics. We rule out concerns that apprehensions might convey legally relevant information to judges. Thus, we provide direct evidence for time-varying discrimination toward Hispanic defendants. Our estimated effect is only at play for defendants without a heavy previous criminal record.

Suggested Citation

  • Simone Bertoli & Morgane Laouenan & Jérôme Valette, 2023. "Border Apprehensions and Federal Sentencing of Hispanic Citizens in the United States," Working Papers 2023-02, CEPII research center.
    • Handle: RePEc:cii:cepidt:2023-02
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Immigration; Ethnic Identity; Discrimination; Attitudes; Salience; Sentences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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