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 U.S.law and policy affecting immigrants and refugees. What legal principles guide government powers in regulating migration? How does law produce identities such as immigrant, refugee, and undocumented, and how do those processes shape people's experiences and access to rights? What perspectives can we use to evaluate how communities and institutions have responded to complex questions about migration? Students will explore local manifestations of these questions by working on a research 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