Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/272493 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 15866
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
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 time-varying discrimination toward Hispanic defendants. Our estimated effect is only at play for defendants without a heavy previous criminal record.
Subjects: 
immigration
ethnic identity
discrimination
attitudes
salience
sentences
JEL: 
K42
J15
F22
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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