Document Type
Blog Post
Publication Date
2-2026
Abstract
In May of 2025, United States Senator Cornyn introduced the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act. The Act creates an additional aggravating factor in determining whether to impose the death sentence. The aggravating factor would only be applicable when a noncitizen is found guilty of killing a United States citizen. This Article first argues that this Act would create grave constitutional concerns and severely undermine the rule of law. Next, this Article urges that, in order to truly promote public safety, our government should focus on policies meant to empower communities.
Recommended Citation
Payán, Luz M., "THE ILLUSION OF JUSTICE: HOW CRIMINALIZING STATUS UNDERMINES THE RULE OF LAW" (2026). Immigration Law Blog. 21.
https://insight.dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/ilsblog/21