SMNR: Current Topics in Immigration Law and Policy

Course Information

Registration Information

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
MON 3:45 - 5:35 pm JON 6.206

Evaluation Method

Type Date Time Location
Paper

Description

The current immigration debate permeates and divides our legal and political culture. Despite our country’s historical narrative as a country of immigrants, nativist tendencies have shaped immigration through U.S. history. Immigration reform has failed and some politicians call for more restrictive immigration laws. Despite the lack of immigration reform, grassroots movements such as the Dreamers have impacted the political debate leading to President Obama’s executive actions for young people and their parents who have put down roots in our communities. At the same time, the detention and deportation of immigrants, including Central American families, have reached record levels, coupled with increased border enforcement. We will explore various topics including proposals for immigration reform and reasons for Congressional inaction; border security and enforcement; detention regimes and alternatives to detention; family detention; Central American migration and the limits of asylum law; immigrant engagement and the Dreamer movement and other emerging topics. Students will write two short reflection papers (2-3 pages) that will guide class discussion. In addition, each student will write a minimum 25 page research paper on any related topic of interest and prepare a short class presentation.

Textbooks ( * denotes required )

No materials required

Instructors

Headshot of Hines, Barbara C Hines, Barbara C
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Important Class Changes

Date Updated
04/11/2016 Instructor(s) updated