Implicit Bias and Immigration Courts Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • This Article highlights the importance of implicit bias in immigration adjudication. After tracing the evolution of prejudice in our immigration laws from explicit "old-fashioned" prejudice to more subtle forms of "modem" and "aversive" prejudice, the Article argues that the specific conditions under which immigration judges decide cases render them especially prone to the influence of implicit bias. Specifically, it examines how factors such as immigration judges' lack of independence, limited opportunity for deliberate thinking, low motivation, and the low risk of judicial review all allow implicit bias to drive decision-making. The Article then recommends certain reforms, both simple and complex, to help reduce such bias in immigration adjudication.

published proceedings

  • New England Law Review

author list (cited authors)

  • Marouf, F. E.

complete list of authors

  • Marouf, Fatma E

publication date

  • March 2011