Legal Studies 491P - S-Borders, Immigrants & Refug

Movements of bodies, ideas and goods have been a constant part of history, yet responses to such movements have reflected particular economic, cultural, and political formations. This course examines the work of law in managing borders and the people that cross them, through case studies of historical and contemporary U.S.immigration law and policy. What legal principles guide government powers in regulating immigration? How does law produce subjects and identities' such as immigrant, refugee, and the undocumented migrant? What difference does legal identities make in shaping migration experiences?How has immigration shaped U.S. political culture? What perspectives can we use to evaluate how individuals, communities, and institutions have responded to complex questions about migration? Students will explore local manifestations of these questions by working on a project focusing on immigrant and refugee experiences in the Western Massachusetts/New England area.

Open to Senior and Junior Legal Studies majors only. Pre Req: LEGAL 250