The United States is in the middle of an increasingly hostile and polarizing national debate over immigration policy and the outcomes of immigrant incorporation. This course situates the debate by exploring the history of immigration in the U.S., public policy that has been aimed at immigration flows or immigrants, and the resulting political consequences. This course will grapple with notions of citizenship and ‘illegality’ while examining the ways that demographic change has influenced opinions, behaviors, partisanship, and values of the broader public. We will critically analyze recent immigration policy proposals, paying close attention to the effects of these proposals on immigration flows, immigrant rights, and the broader political and societal ramifications of policy action and inaction. Finally, we will turn our attention to the dynamics of immigration policy-making and examine how race, gender, sexuality, and class both affect and are affected by immigration laws.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: POL1 200 and permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Arora

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: