The conditions that fuel migration, as well as the marginalized and vulnerable positions that many migrants assume once in the U.S., raise a number of social, economic, and cultural challenges, and of course, a myriad of ethical dilemmas. This course offers an exploration into some of the human rights and social justice concerns associated with contemporary migration. It addresses distinct theories, and practices, of justice as they relate to concrete dilemmas posed by contemporary migration and immigration policies. 

Learning Objectives 

Through class discussions and assignments, students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the following objectives, all of which are at the basic, foundational level. 

Knowledge Outcomes:   

• Familiarity with and understanding of major conceptualizations of justice and human rights and in particular social justice concerns as they relate to migration.

• Familiarity with and understanding of migration realities, trends, and immigration and immigrant policy.

• Familiarity with and understanding of the social justice and human rights perspectives and their relevance to social welfare policy and social work practice with immigrants.

Skill Outcomes:   

• Ability to analyze social policy from a social justice perspective.

• Ability to advocate for humane policies regarding immigration grounded in social justice foundations. 

Values Outcomes: 

• Commitment to the principles of social justice as they apply to migration.