Divided Boundaries: A Socio-historical Analysis of Immigration Theories and Policies

• In Event: 181 - Regular Session. Immigration to the United States: Theoretical and Methodological Issues

Abstract

Immigration patterns are often shaped by the policies of the state. Reflected in decisions to either open or close its doors to immigrants, policy has a tremendous impact on the economy, demography and culture of immigrants. As one of the most debated issues in the United States, immigration policy has remained at the forefront of American politics for over a century. Although a growing literature has explored how policy affects receiving countries, this article uses several theoretical models to explain policy changes in the American context. Paying attention to historical events, the theories presented in this article take a closer look at how policy—particularly control policy fluctuated since immigration became the domain of the federal government. The approaches delineated are: the national identity model, group threat theory, state autonomy model, split labor market theory, Marxism, crimmigration as well as securitization. Each theory gives an understanding of the changing nature of immigration and the complexities of policy creation.

Author

• Denise N. Obinna, Mount St Mary's University