Objectives
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of U.S. Immigration and Citizenship policy in a comparative context as well as refine their skills as policy analysts. Successful participants will synthesize complex immigration issues succinctly and analyze controversial immigration issues objectively.
Brief Description
This course synthesizes immigration issues as a multi-tiered debate. It opens with a global perspective on the push-pull forces driving international migration. It reviews the historical underpinnings of U.S. immigration law. In turn, it breaks down current U.S. immigration law and policy into key elements: border control and visa security; legal immigration; documentation and verification; interior immigration enforcement; and refugees and other humanitarian populations. It delineates the debate for a range of issues, including border security, criminal aliens, worksite enforcement, employment eligibility verification, permanent admissions, temporary workers, legalization, birthright citizenship.
Participants will prepare for each session by reading the materials assigned for the topic. Students will submit a discussion question from the readings for each class. The discussion question is due by 8:00 am before class. All of the required readings will be available on Canvas. Participants will engage in a discussion of the readings during the sessions. The class will selected the topics discussed in the November 10 sessions, with readings determined after the topics are chosen.
Grade Allocation
Memo assessing source materials 10%
Memo designing a policy research plan 20%
Memo proposing options and providing pro/con analysis 30%
Project and Presentation 30%
Class participation 10%
Class participation is a graded course requirement because oral communication and group discernment are essential skills in the public sector. Effective participation grows out of thorough preparation, listening to each other, useful questions and comments, and the ability to draw on broader knowledge and experiences.