Immigration & Naturalization (LAW-655-001)
Kanstroom
Meets: 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM (TTH) - Room 401
Enrolled: 34 / Limit: 60
Notices
May register for 1 credit independent study for 4th credit
Description
Immigration Law has been called the “neglected step-child of the public law.” This is surely a peculiar designation for a body of law that is so centrally connected to the very nature of our “nation of immigrants.” This course closely examines this fascinating body of law: a unique mixture of our nation's highest ideals and its deepest prejudices. Perhaps more than any other single legal discipline, Immigration Law forces us to struggle with questions that cut to the heart of who we are as a nation. How do we define “we the people”? How does one get to be a “member” of U.S. society or even a legal visitor? Are there/should there be gradations of membership? How do/should procedural and substantive rights turn on these distinctions? Who gets excluded? Who gets arrested, detained, and deported? What role, if any, does the Constitution play in any of these determinations?
In addition to these broad issues, Immigration Law requires mastery of an intricate statute and regulations. Thus, the course demands an unusually broad array of legal and conceptual skills. The payoff for this challenge is that this course will help prepare you not only for the highest quality Immigration Law practice, but for many other fields of public and administrative law.
In my experience, this course works best with a lecture/discussion/class exercise format, with the emphasis on discussion. Therefore, participation is strongly encouraged, even (especially) for those who might disagree with me on any particular issue. At least as to the broad policy issues raised by this course, there are no right answers. My goal is to have us all share the same dilemmas and to pursue answers in a rational, compassionate, and knowledgeable way. Class participation will count for 10% of your grade. There will be a final exam that will count for the remainder (90%).
Textbooks and Other Materials
The textbook information on this page was provided by the instructor. Students should use this information when considering purchases from the AU Campus Store or other vendors. Students may check to determine if books are currently available for purchase online.
First Class Readings
Not available at this time.
Syllabus
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Microsoft Word (DOC)
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)