The Rise of Anti-immigrant Policies: An Analysis of Three State Laws and Implications for Social Work

Authors

  • Susanna Jones Long Island University
  • Rich Furman University of Washington, Tacoma
  • Melody Loya West Texas A & M University
  • Alissa R. Ackerman University of Washington, Tacoma
  • Nalini Negi University of Maryland
  • Doug Epps University of Washington, Tacoma
  • Gladys Mondragon University of Washington, Tacoma

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48336/IJOJOQ2573

Keywords:

undocumented immigrants, criminalization of immigrants, anti-immigrant legislation, Arizona SB 1070, Alabama HB 56, Indiana SB 590

Abstract

This article examines United States immigration policy in three states: Arizona, Alabama, and Indiana. All three states have varying rates of Latino immigration and a complex set of socioeconomic and cultural factors; yet nonetheless, all have participated in the criminalization of undocumented immigrants through state-level legislative action. First, this article explores Latino migration to the United States and its relationship to the forces of globalization. Second, we discuss the consequences and impacts of racialized and decentralized immigration policy. Third, we detail the history and background of each state law and its economic and social costs. Lastly, we conclude with implications of these policies on the lives of undocumented immigrants, social welfare policy, social work and transnational practice, and social work education.

Author Biographies

Susanna Jones, Long Island University

Susanna Jones, MSW, PhD is an Associate Professor of social work at LIU, Brooklyn as well as the Gender Studies Co-chair.

Rich Furman, University of Washington, Tacoma

Professor, Social Work

Melody Loya, West Texas A & M University

Associate Professor, Social Work

Alissa R. Ackerman, University of Washington, Tacoma

Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice and Social Work

Nalini Negi, University of Maryland

Assistant Professor, Social Work

Doug Epps, University of Washington, Tacoma

MSW Student

Gladys Mondragon, University of Washington, Tacoma

BASW, Legal Advocate

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Published

2015-01-07