PSCI249

The increased mobility of people across national borders has become a critical issue for many nation states. The refugee crisis on European borders stemming from the situation in Iraq and Syria symbolized the challenges of dealing with such mobility of populations. Both North American and European countries have seen waves of migrants and refugees, causing immigration to be a volatile political issue. Students analyze the ability of nation states to control their borders through specific examples from Europe, United States, and other parts of the globe. The discourse of selective immigration has been a dominant theme, especially, with strident anti-immigrant voices shaping the policy process. Students draw upon multiple case studies and theoretical perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of the global debate on immigration.