Urban and Environmental Policy Program 


Politics 295: Politics of Immigration

Spring 2007

W F 8:00-9:25am; Johnson 104

 

 

Professor Susan Alva                                        

Office: UEPI 203

Office hours: Wed 10a-12p and by appointment

Office phone: x1407

Email: salva@oxy.edu

 

Course Description

 

In this course, we will survey the breadth of issues and multiple perspectives raised by the immigration policy debate.  Though we will examine the current legislative developments, we will also look at social, cultural and other ramifications of migration, from its causes to its impacts. Our primary objectives are to appreciate the complexities involved in developing migration policies, and to challenge our imaginations in exploring potential solutions. To do this, we will explore a broad spectrum of strategies and approaches, both domestic and international.

 

Course Readings

 

All readings are on the library’s electronic course reserves.  Those readings indicated by an asterisk (*) will be handed out in class.  Assigned readings must be completed before each class session.

 

Requirements and Grading

(The professor reserves the right to amend these requirements during the semester.)

 

Presentation                                                                                                      15%

Oral presentation (10%) of research proposal (10%)                                         20%

Outline (10%) and annotated bibliography (10%) of research paper                   20%

Research paper                                                                                                30%

Attendance and participation                                                                             15%

 

Presentation

 

Each student is required to volunteer or be assigned to present the key concepts of the readings for one class session.  The presentation should not summarize the materials (as all students will have read them), but should outline the main points, and provide an analysis of the readings including their intersection, if any, with other class topics.  The presentation should also submit discussion questions raised by the readings.  Presentations should be 10-15 minutes in duration.  A one to two page summary of the presentation should accompany the presentation and be submitted to the professor.

 

 

Research Paper

 

The research paper will address any of the class topics, must be at least 10 pages in length (not including the cover page and bibliography), and is due on the day of your final by 5pm.  The goal of the paper is to explore solutions to your chosen topic.  Students may choose to look at a current practice or policy, why it may or may not be working, and what it might take to fix it.  Another approach might be to identify or develop an innovative approach, and how it might be implemented.  Students are not limited to legislative or political solutions, and may explore other approaches such as media or community building.  Be sure to keep a copy of your paper.  *Assignments related to the paper:

 

*Oral Presentation of Research Proposal

 

Each student will present a 1-page research proposal on either February 16 or February 21.  The proposal and its presentation will identify (a) the topic or issue proposed to be researched; (b) the more specific or particular aspect of this topic you wish to explore; (c) why this particular aspect is relevant to the development of policy solutions; and (d) 1 or 2 other topics or issues you believe significantly intersect with your chosen topic, and how.  Students are limited to the topics covered in the class schedule but may consider particular aspects not covered in class.  Depending on the topics and aspects presented, collaborative research papers may be appropriate upon approval by the professor.

 

*Outline and Annotated Bibliography of Research Paper

 

The outline should be at least 2 pages, and give the reader a clear sense of how you intend to organize your research paper.  The bibliography should list at least 5 sources that are not assigned course readings though could be from the same academic journals, research institutes, think tanks, etc.  Sources are not limited to scholarly works; depending on topic and subject to professor’s approval, sources may include work product from relevant non-profit organizations, original work such as interviews of relevant stakeholders, or the like.  All sources should be annotated indicating its main points and relevance to your research.  Outline and bibliography are due March 9.

 

Attendance and Participation

 

This grade is based on attendance, completion of reading assignments, and active participation in class discussions.

 

Accommodation of disability-related needs is available upon request.

 

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

(The professor reserves the right to amend the syllabus during the semester.)

 

(W 1/24) Introduction

 

(F 1/26) Topic #1 – Framing the Immigration Debate

 

Martin and Widgren, “International Migration: Facing the Challenge” (Population Bulletin March 2002) pp. 3-9

 

Garling, “Immigration 101-A Primer on Immigration and the Need for Reform” (FAIR 2000) pp. 7-12

 

Sassen, “Migration in the Golden Age” (NNIRR 2001) 3 pp.

 

(W 1/31) Topic #2 – Brief History of U.S. Immigration Policies

 

*Alva, “Major Periods in US Immigration History” 2 pp.

 

Bacon, “Frequently Asked Questions on Employer Sanctions” 4 pp.

 

Film: “Men Without a Country” (20 min)

 

(F 2/2) Topic #3 - Current Immigration Laws; Demographics

 

U.S. State Dept. Visa Bulletin, pp.1-3

 

Lyman, “New Data Show Immigrants’ Growth and Reach” (NY Times August 15, 2006)

 

(W 2/7) Topic #4 – Snapshot of Recent Events

 

Bernstein, “A Climate of Fear as Immigration Agents Raid New York Farms” (NY Times December 24, 2006)

 

Gorman, “The Great Divide of Citizenship” (LA Times May 7, 2006)

 

Navarro, “Traditional Round Trip for Workers is Becoming a One-Way Migration North” (NY Times December 21, 2006)

 

*Alva, “Post-Sept. 11 Laws, Policies and Practices Affecting Immigrants” 4 pp.

 

Bacon, “Justice Deported” (American Prospect Online December 14, 2006) 3 pp.

 

Riccardi, “Employers’ Immigration Pains” (LA Times December 17, 2006)

 

Watanabe, “Human Trafficking Case Ends for 48 Thai Welders” (LA Times December 8, 2006)

 

Gaoutte, “Latinos Walk Out Amid Firings” (LA Times November 18, 2006)

 

Hawthorne, “The City Rediscovers the Street” (LA Times December 31, 2006)

 

(F 2/9) Topic #5 – Current Legislative Proposals

 

*Alva, “Comparison of Immigration Proposals” (June 5, 2006) 13 pp.

 

Bacon, “Frequently Asked Questions on Guest Workers” 4pp.

 

Romney, “In the Fields, a Rude Awakening” (LA Times November 5, 2006)

 

Lindner, “Police the Border, Flood the Courts” (LA Times July 16, 2006)

 

Blasi, “A Sampling of Common Arguments in Immigration Policy Reform” (Center for Labor Research and Education May 3, 2002) 5 pp.

 

(W 2/14) Topic #6 – Post Election Analysis

 

Gaouette, “Still No Slam Dunk on an Immigration Bill” (LA Times November 23, 2006)

 

Jacoby, “GOP Can’t Lose Latinos” (LA Times November 17, 2006)

 

Bacon, “Democrats Risk Disaster by Supporting Sanctions” (New America Media December 12, 2006) 3 pp.

 

(F 2/16) ORAL PRESENTATIONS OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS

 

(W 2/21) CONTINUE ORAL PRESENTATIONS OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS

 

(F 2/23) Topic #7 - Popular Opinions: myths, realities, who decides

 

Film: “In the Shadow of the American Dream” (NBC Special December 26, 2006)

 

Letters to the Editor, (LA Times West Magazine July 16, 2006, LA Times October 27 and November 17, 2006)

 

Letters to the Editor, (The Nation November 13, 2006)

 

Jarvie, “Latinos Sought as Mining’s Next Generation” (LA Times February 20, 2006)

 

Massey, “Five Myths About Immigration” (Immigration Policy Center Aug 1, 2005) 14 pp.

 

(W 2/28) Topic #8 – Roots of Middle America Concerns

 

Bernasek, “Income Inequality, and Its Cost” (NY Times June 25, 2006)

 

Porter, “If All the Slices Are Equal, Will the Pie Shrink?” (NY Times Nov. 19, 2006)

Scott, “Cities Shed Middle Class, And Are Richer and Poorer For It” (NY Times July 23, 2006)

 

Iglitzin and Hill, “Bargaining at a Tilted Table” (LA Times December 9, 2006)

 

Jenkins, “The Disturbing Dance of Polarization, Inequality” (Chicago Tribune August 6, 2006)

 

Porter, “After Years of Growth, What About Workers’ Share?” (NY Times October 15, 2006)

 

(F 3/2) Topic #9 – Globalization’s Role in Migration

 

Film: “Uprooted: Refugees of the Global Economy” (National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights 2001) 28 min.

 

Hirsh, “Dollars Without Borders” (NY Times Book Review March 5, 2006)

 

Frieden, “To Have and Have Not” (NY Times Book Review December 24, 2006)

 

(W 3/7) continue Globalization’s Role in Migration

 

Barrionuevo, “Imports Spurring Push to Subsidize Fruit and Greens” (NY Times December 3, 2006)

 

Magnier, “Migrant Workers in Their Own Land” (LA Times December 17, 2006)

 

“Trade Agreements and Migration: Are U.S. Trade Policies Driving Migrants North?” (Latin America Working Group August 5, 2005)  2 pp.

 

Iritani, “Group Accuses Jordan of Failing to Enforce Labor Rights” (LA Times October 16, 2006)

 

Associated Press, “Wal-Mart Labor Suit Likely to Be Dismissed”  (LA Times December 16, 2006)

 

Weisbrot, “Pro-Ecuador Doesn’t Mean Anti-U.S.” (LA Times October 27, 2006)

 

(F 3/9) Topic #10 – Local Impacts: Economic

[OUTLINE AND ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RESEARCH PAPER DUE]

 

Lowenstein, “What is She Really Doing to American Jobs and Wages” (NY Times Magazine July 9, 2006)  14 pp.

 

Porter, “The Search for Illegal Immigrants Stops at the Workplace” (NY Times March 5, 2006)

 

Altman, “Immigration Math: It’s a Long Story” (NY Times June 18, 2006)

 

WEDNESDAY MARCH 14 AND FRIDAY MARCH 16: SPRING BREAK

 

(W 3/21) Topics #11 & 12 – Local Impacts: Health; Housing

 

Larrubia, “Delivering Dual Benefits” (LA Times December 23, 2006)

Lee, “Asians, Latinos Create a New Market Model” (LA Times August 30, 1998)

 

Darlin, “The Immigration Equation” (NY Times September 10, 2006)

 

(F 3/23) Topic #13 – Local Impacts: Social and Cultural

 

Mathews, “Wages Lag in LA County, Study Says” (LA Times September 18, 2006)

 

Cleeland, “LA Area Going to Extremes as the Middle Class Shrinks” (LA Times July 23, 2006)

 

Swarns, “Hispanic Teenagers with Outsider Roots Are Finding a Way In” (NY Times December 31, 2006)

 

Watanabe, “L.A. (African American) Workers Join Fierce Debate Over Immigration” (LA Times February 20, 2006)

 

Bacon, “Uniting African-Americans and Immigrants” (The Black Scholar Summer 2005) 

 

(W 3/28) Topic #13 – Local Impacts: Social and Cultural continued

 

Rodriguez, “Change Fuels America’s Faithful” (LA Times June 11, 2006)

 

Rieff, “Nuevo Catholics: The Hispanicization of American Catholicism” (NY Times Magazine December 24, 2006) 10 pp.

 

(F 3/30) Topic # 14 – Local Government Interventions

 

Huffstutter, “Sanctuary Movement Still Has a Heartbeat” (LA Times November 24, 2006)

 

Barry, “City’s Immigration Law Turns Back the Clock” (LA Times November 9, 2006)

 

Press, “Do Immigrants Make Us Safer?” (NY Times December 3, 2006)

 

(W 4/4) Topic #15 – Solutions

 

1.  Post 9/11 border and interior enforcement:

 

Meissner, “After the Attacks: Protecting Borders and Liberties” (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace November 2001) 7 pp.

 

NNIRR, “Preliminary Report and Findings: Militarization and Impunity at the Border” (June 15-18, 2006) 12 pp.

 

(F 4/6) Topic #15 – Solutions continued

 

2. Strategies for dealing with public opinion; “messaging”:

 

Kessler, “Flanking the Immigration Wedge” (The Democratic Strategist October 30, 2006) 3pp.

 

NNIRR, “Immigrant Rights: Striving for Racial Justice, Economic Equality and Human Dignity” (Political Research Associates 2002) 15 pp.

 

(W 4/11) Topic #15 – Solutions continued

 

3. A broader framework:

 

Sassen, “The Bits of a New Immigration Reality: A Bad Fit with Current Policy” (Social Science Research Council July 28, 2006) 8 pp.

 

(F 4/13) Topic #15 – Solutions continued

 

4. Rebuilding middle class:

 

Kotkin and Friedman, “Rebuilding the Middle Class” (LA Times December 3, 2006)

 

5. Micro-enterprise; regional approaches:

 

Dickerson, “They Pave their Own Way With a Little Help” (LA Times September 10, 2006)

 

Hinojosa-Ojeda, Raul “From NAFTA Debate to Democratic and Sustainable Integration: Potential Implications of the North American Development Bank” pp 1-6, Conclusion.

 

(W 4/18) Topic #15 – Solutions continued

 

6. Case study: RICE

 

Elias, “Rice Farmers Face a Biotech Threat to Profit” (LA Times October 16, 2006)

 

Dickerson and Iritani, “Growers Struggle as Trade Barriers Fall” (LA Times December 4, 2005)

 

Iritani, “California Rice Farmers Harvest Crop of Losses” (LA Times December 4, 2005)

 

(F 4/20) Topic #15 – Solutions continued

 

7. Remittances:

 

Film: Rivera, “The Sixth Section” (SubCine 2003) 25 min.

 

Choose one article from LA Times series:

·        Boudreaux, Part 1 – Mexico: “The Seeds of Promise” (April 16, 2006) 8 pp.

·        Williams, Part 2 – Haiti: “The Benefactor” (April 18, 2006) 6 pp.

·        Paddock, Part 3 – Philippines: “The Overseas Class” (April 20, 2006) 9 pp.

·        Wilkinson, Part 4 – Kenya: “A Sister’s Sacrifice” (April 22, 2006) 5 pp.

 

Castillo, “Cash Sent Back to Mexico Goes Fast; Most Families Spend Remittances on the Essentials” (Houston Chronicle July 8, 2005)

 

(W 4/25) Topic #15 – Solutions continued

 

8. Rethinking Citizenship, Nationality, Borders:

 

Rodriguez, “Citizenship is Not a Split Decision” (LA Times August 27, 2006)

 

Yudice, “Linking Cultural Citizenship and Transnationalism to the Movement for an Equitable Global Economy” (LASA Forum Winter 2006) pp 15-17

 

Naim, “Borderline: It’s Not About Maps” (Washington Post May 28, 2006)

 

9. International forums:

 

United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service, “Human Rights of Migrants” (NGLS Roundup 89 March 2002)

 

Film: NNIRR, “Journey to Durban: Migrant Rights at the UN World Conference Against Racism” (2003) 25 min.

 

(F 4/27) Topic #15 – Solutions continued: GUEST SPEAKER

 

10. Grassroots, local and global:

 

Film: American Friends Service Committee, “Taking Root” (2002)

 

(W 5/2) Last day: wrap up