The Devolution of U.S. Immigration Policy: An Examination of the History and Future of Immigration Policy

Abstract

Abstract This article critically reviews four widely accepted eras of U.S. immigration policy (open door, regulation, restriction, liberalization). These eras are based on federal efforts to regulate and control immigration since the American Revolution until the twenty-first century. In addition to identifying salient historical, legislative, political, and social forces shaping immigration policy in each era, considerable attention is given to changes over the past decade. Modern realities have shaped what the authors propose as a new era of immigration policy (devolution), based on the significant social and legislative ramifications in the United States since September 11, 2001. Finally, future immigration policy implications are considered. Keywords: immigration policydevolutionimmigration history