UCLA

This dissertation focuses on how work grounded in critical race theory can provide perspective into the realm of political science. This dissertation intends to focus on experience and behavior when it comes to statistical analysis and the law. The first chapter explores the concept of statistical essentialism and how it applies to collection of data in connection to Latinos. The paper then expands this analysis by looking at Central Americans as a case study. The second chapter, looks at asylum judges and how their experiences shape judicial decision making. This chapter takes a closer look at not only the racial, ethnic and gender identity of judges when it comes to decision making but also the diverse experiences that brought them to the court room. The third and final chapter looks specifically at LGBTQIA+ immigrants and judge’s tones when it comes to the definition of “reasonable fear” and “persecution” and explores how policing of gender and sexuality at the border has not stopped but changed form. This paper uses a text as data analysis to apply work grounded in critical race theory into a quantitative format. Finally, this dissertation will conclude with plans for overall future research suggestions in this field.