San Antonio College Library

"This book traces the origins of the 'illegal alien' in American law and society, explaining why and how illegal migration became the central problem in U.S. immigration policy--a process that profoundly shaped ideas and practices about citizenship, race, and state authority in the twentieth century."--

Elizabeth Hull examines the way American law and public policy affect America's noncitizens--permanent resident aliens, temporary visitors, undocumented aliens, and refugees fleeing persecution. The character and treatment of these noncitizens and their impact on the demography, culture, and quality of life in the United States are examined in detail. Also discussed are broader philosophical implications such as the roles and meanings of citizenship...