LAS 430 - Undocumented Immigration

Undocumented immigration is one of the most misunderstood enduring social problems. This course thus focuses on two broad areas: the construction and experience of “migrant illegality.”

We first investigate how immigration became “illegal.” Beginning in the late 19th century, and proceeding chronologically, students will explore the multiple productions of illegalized movement. Initially prioritizing the state’s perspective, the course then shifts and centers on undocumented immigrants in the latter half. We focus on how immigrants experience and live the condition of illegality across numerous dimensions and institutions of social life. Finally, moving beyond the categories of “migrant” and “state,” the course concludes by analyzing the transnational, intergenerational, and long-term consequences of migrant illegality.

As a research seminar, students will have the opportunity to develop individual creative projects on a select issue relating to undocumented immigration.

This course will draw on various migrant-sending countries in Latin America and interdisciplinary perspectives to juxtapose and analyze how undocumented immigration has fundamentally transformed U.S. society.

Satisfies Latin American Studies major and minor requirement.
Satisfies Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.