ABSTRACT
The successful citizen is measured by what they are worth—or appear to be worth courtesy of credit cards, school loans, and mortgages. We live in a neoliberal material world. We do not question whether the money is earned or inherited or luck; as the lottery commercials blare: all you need is a dollar and a dream. Research has shown that citizens, born and naturalized, have better economic opportunities available. But in truth, our laws and policies are meant to keep wealth sequestered and accessible only to the already wealthy. This chapter explores how laws, policies, and court decisions protect those with means, allows them to thrive, and keeps those without means struggling.
