Racial Profiling :

Abstract

What is commonly known is that racial profiling in the USA has become an increasingly controversial issue by law enforcement in recent years. Its practice has always depended on race alone or race with other physical and ethical characteristics when selecting suspect criminals. In this regard, the research work firstly provides a clear image about the issue under study through various definitions and explanations and a brief history of race-based practices in the United States. While racial profiling evolution is traced from Richard Nixon’s “War on Drugs” in the 1980s to the current Donald Trump administration, an investigation of the conflicting reactions of the US government, leaders and organizations to the phenomenon is undertaken. In addition, the work spots light on the discriminatory practices such as stops, searches, investigations, frisks, and arrests that are directed mainly to African Americans, Arab Americans, and Latinos with regards to its extremely negative results embodied in mass incarceration and high rates of deportation. Racial profiling gained national attention in 2010 immediately after the enactment of Arizona SB/1070 that targeted Latinos, particularly illegal immigrants. On this basis, the bill was selected to prove the serious impact of racial profiling on both national and individual levels. The dissertation concludes that instead of maintaining law/order and security, the practice of racial profiling intensifies racial discrimination and hate crimes within the American society.