Detention, Deportation, and Due Process: A Look at the Inner Workings of the U.S. Immigration System
FYSEMR 67C
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
If you ever wanted to know more about how our immigration system operates then this seminar is for you. The public discourse on immigration is widespread and divisive. You'd be hard-pressed to identify a major news outlet that is not covering immigration-related issues on a daily basis. Consequently, there is a lot of information being shared and it can feel both underinclusive and overwhelming. There are also a lot of misconceptions and half-truths touted across social media platforms.
The goal of the seminar is to break through the information overload and teach students in an interactive and welcoming environment the basic aspects of U.S. immigration policy. We will also discuss the role of lawyers in immigration spaces, and how to advocate for a system that best aligns with your own viewpoints on the subject. As background, we will explore the multitude of ways immigration policies have been shaped and reshaped over time by Congress, the President, and federal courts. We will also address major themes and controversies in immigration policy with a particular emphasis on the ways in which criminal law and immigration law have become so intertwined. We will also discuss cutting-edge issues in U.S. asylum law, border policies, and the expansion of immigration detention.
No prior immigration knowledge is needed for this seminar. This seminar is designed to create a welcoming and dynamic environment in which we can collectively learn through respectful discourse in a space where differing perspectives can be explored.
Course Notes
Please Note: the seminar will begin at 9:30AM.
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
