POLI 208 - Immigration and Citizenship in American Political Development

The United States are often described as a nation of immigrants, yet various anxieties over the status of immigrants have been expressed throughout the history of the country. This clas offers a survey of key historical debates over immigration and the character of citizenship in the United States. Though close analysis of primary documents the class explores the definition, terms, and goals of such debats, the variety of interests vested in the issues, and the political and social consequences of these controversies not only for the dominant political order but especially for teh lives and identites of the immigrants, their families, and communities. In particular we explore: key historical events and trends that have defined the flow and status of immigrants in the United States; how various anxieties about immigration have served to disenfranchise some groups while solidifying the power of others; the rehetorical, economic, political, and ideological challenges faced by those interested in promoting immigrants’ rights; how the status of immgrants has consequences for the political rights of citizens and vice versa, thus challenging the notion that immigrants’ problems are theirs alone. (4 Credits)

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