This course will provide students with the analytical tools to understand the dynamics driving the politics of the current wave of immigrants from the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and Africa and how it affects American society and culture. It will also focus on current and past legislation about immigration to the United States. Can a state control migration, including "unwanted" migrants? How do we understand the politics of immigration in the context of the criminalization of immigrants? In an era of uncertainty, how can we pursue policies that will ensure the security of our borders without closing off flows which are often considered necessary for our economic security?