U.S. Immigration

Catalog description

This class examines theories of U.S. immigration and immigrant adaptation, effects of immigration, and policy. SOC 445 U.S. Immigration (3) The United States has long been known as a nation of immigrants. People have come for all sorts of reasons, including economic opportunity, political asylum, and religious freedom. Immigration continues to be a fundamental source of demographic and social change today. However, the nature of the changes brought about by immigration will depend on the pathways immigrants and their descendants take as they incorporate into American society. This course is designed to introduce students to theories of immigration, patterns of immigrant incorporation, immigration's impact on the U.S., and political debates about immigration issues.Topic to be discussed include: -Why do immigrants come to the U.S.? -In what kinds of communities do immigrants live? -What is the economic impact of immigration on U.S. society? -What is the social impact of immigration? -Are new immigrants assimilating? -What are the problems with current immigration policies and what are the alternative approaches to reform?