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

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  • Simone Bertoli

    (CERDI - Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur le Développement International - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UCA - Université Clermont Auvergne, IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IUF - Institut universitaire de France - M.E.N.E.S.R. - Ministère de l'Education nationale, de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, IZA - Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit - Institute of Labor Economics)

  • Morgane Laouénan

    (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, LIEPP - Laboratoire interdisciplinaire d'évaluation des politiques publiques (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po)

  • Jérôme Valette

    (CEPII - Centre d'Etudes Prospectives et d'Informations Internationales - Centre d'analyse stratégique, UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, IC Migrations - Institut Convergences Migrations [Aubervilliers])

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 be conveying legally relevant information to judges. Thus, we provide direct evidence for timevarying discrimination toward Hispanic defendants. Our estimated effect is only at play for defendants without a heavy previous criminal record.

Suggested Citation

  • Simone Bertoli & Morgane Laouénan & Jérôme Valette, 2023. "Border Apprehensions and Federal Sentencing of Hispanic Citizens in the United States," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) hal-03960312, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:cesptp:hal-03960312
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://uca.hal.science/hal-03960312
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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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