American Immigration

SW849, Section 001

Immigration touches upon every aspect of American society, from economic growth to neighborhood institutions to national culture. This seminar is designed to help eliminate the typically large gaps in our knowledge that exist because there are so few courses available on immigration issues. We investigate a number of issues from the vantage point of social work and its considerations and social science and its ability to produce informed research. We also work to help students prepare and present their own research. The seminar is interdisciplinary and provides an overview of the effects of immigration on the United States and of the United States on immigrants. We consider immigration policy and on the development of post 9-11 immigration and border control institutions. Topics include immigration and immigrant history, immigration law and its development, attitudes toward immigration and immigrants; unauthorized migration; immigrants confront the new country and transnational communities; labor market issues; economic mobility and economic and social niches; political inclusion, organization and rhetoric; Americanization and assimilation; generational change: immigrants, the one and a half generation, the second generation, and everybody else; language controversies and public debates.