U.S. Immigration Law and the Control of Labor: 1820-1924
- 250pages
- 9 heures de lecture
Reagan's 1986 immigration reform law presented a mix of contradictory measures: while sanctions limited the employment of undocumented workers, other programs increased labor supply. This theme of contradictions and unmet goals persists in today's immigration law. By examining a century of U.S. immigration legislation—from early industrialization to the quota system—Calavita highlights the hypocrisy, subtext, and racism surrounding the influx of European labor. In the Second Edition, the author provides a materialist theory of the state to explain the inconsistent policies that both encouraged and sought to control immigration. A new 2020 Preface contextualizes the historical record within contemporary discussions, particularly in light of the portrayal of immigrants as violent criminals. Susan Bibler Coutin's Foreword emphasizes the relevance of Calavita's analysis to current immigration debates, noting that throughout much of U.S. history, officials actively recruited immigrants despite public calls for restrictions. The motivations were not rooted in social justice or human rights but aimed at economic expansion, wage suppression, and countering unionization. This work is accessible to both new students and established scholars, with a rich documentary record illuminating how current dynamics were established.
