This course provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of U.S. immigration law, tracing its constitutional underpinnings, statutory provisions, regulatory frameworks, and evolving interpretations. Students will examine key statutes such as the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), relevant regulations under Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and major court decisions shaping the rights of noncitizens and the powers of federal and state actors.
Topics covered include the admission and exclusion of noncitizens, grounds of removal, refugee and asylum law, family- and employment-based immigration, citizenship and naturalization, immigration enforcement, and constitutional rights of immigrants. Contemporary policy issues such as DACA, border enforcement, detention, public charge rules, and the role of states in immigration regulation will also be addressed.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
-
Understand the constitutional basis and scope of federal immigration power and the historical evolution of U.S. immigration law.
-
Interpret and apply key provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and related regulations.
-
Analyze procedures and standards governing admission, exclusion, removal, asylum, and relief from removal.
-
Evaluate the interplay between immigration law and constitutional protections such as due process, equal protection, and federalism.
-
Identify policy tensions between border control, national security, human rights, and economic integration.
-
Understand the structure and role of agencies involved in immigration enforcement and adjudication, including USCIS, ICE, CBP, EOIR, and DOS.
-
Critically assess current legal and policy debates surrounding immigration in the United States.
