ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the legal and social relationships between immigrant and US-born populations. It looks at the policy areas where the needs of immigrants may conflict with those of the US-born and examine how federal and state governments resolve these conflicts. The chapter also looks at the social and institutional interactions between immigrants and natives in the United States in three ways. First, to highlight the fundamental contradiction between concerns over high levels of immigration and respect for what immigrants contribute to US society, the chapter examines attitudes of native populations toward immigrants and immigration policies. Second, looking at both federal and state policymaking, it analyzes the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that noncitizens have in US society to view what opportunities and restrictions immigrants face. Finally, the chapter considers how policies designed to assist other groups within US society, particularly minority populations, affect immigrants and shape contemporary immigrant incorporation.
