Detention, Deportation, and Due Process: A Look at the Inner Workings of the U.S. Immigration System
FYSEMR 66D
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Detention, Deportation, and Due Process: A Look at the Innerworkings of the U.S. Immigration System and How it Can be Changed
The public discourse on immigration is widespread and divisive. If you ever wanted to know more about how our immigration system operates, its faults, and potential ways to fix it, then this seminar is for you. The goal of the seminar is to teach students in an interactive and welcoming environment the basic aspects of U.S. immigration policy, the role of lawyers in immigration advocacy spaces, and how to develop creative advocacy strategies to advance immigrants’ rights. The seminar will leverage the experience and expertise of faculty members with the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program (“HIRCP”) to explore the multitude of ways immigration policies can be challenged and reshaped in Congress, the courts, and the public discourse.
We will address major themes and controversies in immigration and refugee law and policy advocacy, including: the origins and evolution of U.S. immigration law; the basis for refugee protection in the United States; the role of Congress, courts, and administrative agencies; cutting-edge issues in U.S. asylum law, including issues related to gender-based claims, credibility & corroboration, expanding bars to asylum; current challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border; the criminalization of immigrants; and the U.S. detention regime.
This seminar is designed to create a welcoming and dynamic environment in which we can collectively interrogate how different modes of advocacy—from litigation and community organizing to media advocacy and direct representation—can move immigration law forward. The seminar will include simulations and other interactive classroom modules and will feature guest lectures from community partners and advocates with whom HIRCP has worked on various advocacy projects. We welcome opposing viewpoints, respectful discourse, and aim to create a space where differing perspectives can be explored.
NOTE: Please note that the seminar will meet Thursday, 9:30am-11:30am.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
