This course examines the controversial and misunderstood phenomenon of undocumented immigration in the United States. We will focus on two broad areas: the construction and experience of “migrant illegality.”
We first investigate how immigration became “illegal.” We begin in the late 19th century, and proceed chronologically, to explore the multiple productions of illegalized movement. Then, we will focus on how immigrants experience and live the condition of illegality. While we first prioritize the state’s perspective, we center undocumented voices in the latter half. We consider how legal status defines numerous dimensions and institutions of social life, such as work, education, and family. Finally, we move beyond the categories of “migrant” and “state.” We conclude the course by analyzing the transnational, intergenerational, and long-term consequences of illegality.
This course will draw on various migrant sending countries in Latin America and interdisciplinary perspectives to juxtapose and analyze how undocumented immigration has transformed American society.
- Teacher: Oscar Cornejo Casares