1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910790010603321

Autore

Newton Lina

Titolo

Illegal, Alien, or Immigrant : The Politics of Immigration Reform / / Lina Newton

Pubbl/distr/stampa

New York, NY : , : New York University Press, , [2008]

©2008

ISBN

0-8147-5902-5

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (238 p.)

Disciplina

325.73

Soggetti

Immigrants - Government policy - United States

Immigrants - United States

United States Emigration and immigration Government policy

United States Emigration and immigration

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references (p. 209-220) and index.

Nota di contenuto

Front matter -- Contents -- Acknowledgments -- A Note on Terminology -- 1. Considering Unlikely Outcomes -- 2. Cases, Contexts, and the Puzzle of Policy Change -- 3. Contesting Illegalities -- 4. Immigrants versus Taxpayers -- 5. Problem Mexicans -- Conclusion -- Epilogue -- Notes -- References -- Index -- About the Author

Sommario/riassunto

While the United States cherishes its identity as a nation of immigrants, the country’s immigration policies are historically characterized by cycles of openness and xenophobia. Outbursts of anti-immigrant sentiment among political leaders and in the broader public are fueled by a debate over who is worthy of being considered for full incorporation into the nation, and who is incapable of assimilating and taking on the characteristics and responsibilities associated with being an American. In Illegal, Alien, or Immigrant, Lina Newton carefully dissects the political debates over contemporary immigration reform. Beginning with a close look at the disputes of the 1980's and 1990's, she reveals how a shift in legislator’s portrayals of illegal immigrants-from positive to overwhelmingly negative-facilitated the introduction and passing of controversial reforms. Newton’s analysis reveals how



rival descriptions of immigrant groups and the flattering or disparaging myths that surround them define, shape, and can ultimately determine fights over immigration policy. Her pathbreaking findings will shed new light on the current political battles, their likely outcomes, and where to go from here.