The Relationship between Federal Sentencing, Immigration, and Drug Crime

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

Although media attention on the war on drugs has diminished since the mid 1980’s, the majority of inmates in Federal and State prisons continue to be imprisoned for drug convictions (BJS, 2010). Draconian mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses have disproportionately affected people of color (Guerino, Harrison, and Sabol, 2011). Previous research has largely focused on comparing the experiences of Whites and Blacks in the criminal justice system and has recently expanded into examining Hispanics (Bush-Baskette and Smith, 2012; Steffensmeir and Demuth, 2000). However, scant research examines whether one’s immigration status and country of origin has a differential impact on sentencing. This research is particularly salient given the current criminalization of immigration in the United States. This study uses data from the United States Sentencing Commission. Analysis consists of multivariate tests using a large sample of men and women. Policy implications regarding sentencing guidelines and its effects on immigrants will be discussed.

Authors

• Katie A. Farina, Cabrini University

• Vivian C Smith, Cabrini University