Date of Conferral

9-24-2026

Date of Award

September 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Marisa Bryant

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored sub-Saharan African immigrants’ perceptions of the United States criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and correctional institutions. Despite the significant and growing presence of sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States, their perspectives remain underrepresented in criminal justice research. Grounded in critical race theory and informed by a narrative inquiry lens, this study sought to understand how race, immigrant status, and cultural background shape perceptions of fairness, trust, and legitimacy within the justice system. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 sub-Saharan African immigrants residing in the United States. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. The findings revealed seven major themes: (a) racialization experiences, (b) conditional trust in law enforcement, (c) cultural and language barriers, (d) immigration-related vulnerability, (e) challenges in accessing legal representation, (f) comparative perceptions of justice systems, and (g) barriers to community engagement. The results indicate that while participants recognize the structural organization of the U.S. criminal justice system, concerns about racial bias, discrimination, and fear of institutional interaction persist. This study contributes to positive social change by amplifying the voices of a marginalized population and providing insights that may inform more equitable criminal justice policies and culturally responsive practices.

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