Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

H. Michael Erisman

Second Advisor

Michael Chambers

Third Advisor

Gaston Fernandez

Abstract

Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the debate over U.S. immigration policy has become one of the most volatile and emotional issues of our time. Great concern has developed over the growing number of illegal immigrants and the lack of security along the nation's borders, especially its southern border. During this time period, many policymakers were specifically concerned with U.S. policy towards Mexican and Cuban immigrants. In order to find out if significant changes have occurred, this study examines U.S. policy towards undocumented immigrants entering the country since 9-11. To answer this question a number of primary sources were reviewed, including federal legislation and government websites. Through an examination of various primary sources such as laws, legislative proposals and government reports, a search of the Mexican and Cuban case studies brings one to the conclusion that there has not been any significant change in immigration policy since 9-11. In order to more fully understand the lack of significant change to immigration policy, this thesis applies the domestic politics model. After a careful analysis of interest groups since 9-11, it was found that the lack of immigration policy could be explained by heightened competition due to an increase in the number of participating interest groups, a lack of unity among like-minded groups, and the existence of a countervailing power that prevents any group or viewpoint from dominating the policy debate.

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