By: Kathy Jara, Associate Editor, Vol. 27 There are many arbitrary areas of immigration law that showcase deep-seated racist and xenophobic attitudes of the U.S. justice system. In particular, refugee law has been very difficult for refugees and asylees[i] to navigate. These individuals are, more often than not, individuals of color and members of other […]
immigration policy
A Reexamination of America’s Mexican Immigration Policy
By Juan MoraAssociate Editor, Vol. 26 After another United States presidential election, the resounding clash over the problem of Mexican immigration continues. President Trump won the 2016 presidential election largely centered on his hard stance on immigration, an anchoring issue that was vital to his agenda. No one could possibly forget those troubling three words […]
It Is Not Illegal to Seek Asylum: An Analysis of the New Migrant Protection Protocols
By Sam Kulhanek Associate Editor, Vol. 24 In line with the Trump Administration’s recent efforts to restrict the right to seek asylum, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) appears to be keeping its December promise to return certain asylum seekers to Mexico during the pendency of their immigration proceedings. Labeled as the “Migrant Protection Protocols,” […]
Does it Hurt to Ask? Citizenship Question Proposed for 2020 Census Faces Legal Challenges
By Rose Lapp Associate Editor, Vol. 24 Congress is granted the power to carry out the census by Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution, which reads: “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, […]
Can They Do That? (Part 2): End Sanctuary Cities
By John Spangler Associate Editor, Volume 23 It is not just the long election cycle that is a defining feature of Michigan politics today, but also the impact of term limits on who seeks what office. The current incumbent is forced out by that constitutional measure, and the candidate to replace him is himself subject […]
Trump’s Travel Ban: Is There a Way Out?
By Rita Samaan Associate Editor, Vol. 22 In the wake of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to block President Trump’s Executive Order 13769 (“Executive Order”), the President vowed to issue “a new executive action . . . that will comprehensively protect our country.”[1] The President’s officials have disclosed their intent to advocate more […]
Imposition of Identity: Trump’s Immigration Order and the Racialization of Islam
By Asma Husain Associate Editor, Vol. 22 On January 27 of this year, newly-inaugurated President Trump issued an executive order temporarily immigration from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen pending a report from the Department of Homeland Security, to be completed within thirty days of the order’s date.[1] Despite singling out only Muslim-majority countries, […]
Sanctuary Cities Resist Donald Trump’s Plan to Withhold Federal Funding
By Anonymous Associate Editor, Vol. 22 From the outset of his presidential campaign, President-elect Donald Trump[1] took extreme stances on immigration.[2] He spoke about heavier enforcement on the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent illegal crossings during his speech announcing his candidacy, claiming, “I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have […]
Michigan Journal of Race & Law 