Immigration is one of the most pressing issues in contemporary US politics. This course assists students to develop an informed analysis of the current political debate through investigation of the legislative history of immigration since the middle of the 1960s and the social impact of such reforms. In particular, we analyze the ways that histories of race, gender, sexuality, class and global politics continue to shape the law and politics of immigration. Students become familiar with a range of legal studies methods, history, sociology, jurisprudence, as well as legal history research techniques. They use these resources to analyze the competing claims about immigration in the current moment. Key issues include the security of the border, the treatment of US citizens identified as Muslim and Arab, the illegal immigration “crisis,” the issue of unaccompanied minors and family separation, the movement of high tech workers and jobs across borders, and the treatment of same-sex couples by the immigration system. The course ends with a workshop in partnership with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, which affords students an opportunity to put their research skills to work on asylum cases, here in Michigan.

Course Requirements:

Weekly quizzes, group activities and assignments, a final paper.

Intended Audience:

This class is ideal for anyone thinking of a career in immigration law, policy, social activism or public service, but all are welcome.

Class Format:

Activity-based lectures and sections