ABSTRACT
In 2006, as many as 5 million people protested US immigration policies in up to 150 cities nationwide. Most who protested called for an expansion in immigration opportunities, and specifically for an opportunity for unauthorized immigrants to legalize their status. Although less public in their concerns, a large share of the general public demanded a very different policy solution—enhanced immigration enforcement, and limited or no opportunities for unauthorized immigrants to legalize. This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers the Congressional debates as a point of departure to analyze the various dimensions of "comprehensive" immigration reform. It examines the historical evolution of US immigration and immigrant settlement policies. The book looks at the rights and responsibilities of immigrants, immigrant settlement, and the relationships between immigrants and natives. It provides an overview of naturalization policy. The book also discusses immigrant civic and political engagement.
