Citation

Brodeur A, Wright T. J. Econ. Behav. Organ. 2019; 168: 119-131.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jebo.2019.10.002

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Using the universe of individual asylum cases in the United States from 2000-2004 and a difference-in-differences research design, we test whether Sept. 11, 2001 decreased the likelihood that applicants from Muslim-majority countries were granted asylum. Our estimates suggest that the attacks resulted in a 3.2 percentage point decrease in the likelihood that applicants from Muslim-majority countries are granted asylum. The estimated effect is larger for applicants who share a country of origin with the Sept. 11, 2001 attackers. These effects do not differ across judge political affiliation. Our findings provide evidence that emotions affect the decisions of judges.

Language: en

Keywords

Courts; Crime; Immigration; Judicial decision; Sentencing and terrorism