Complete Thesis_double spaced abstract.pdf

decision by a state to develop restrictive or liberal immigration policies is more complex than the
national frame of mind; several additional factors are significant. Additionally, the formation of
groups and coalitions is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to,
preferences on immigration policy, economic conditions, business interests, social and cultural
values, political affiliation, region, and socioeconomic status.
One of the factors influencing the formation of immigration policy is the structure and
scope of a state’s government (Body-Gendrot and Schain 2006). The power and scope of any
given state can range from governments with immense powers at federal, state, and local levels to
governments with strong federal, weak state/municipal powers, to governments with weak
powers at all levels; the ability of the judicial system to overrule policies is another important
factor. States, whether by design or by capacity, with a weak and limited scope of government
may not desire highly restrictive immigration policies, since restrictive policies require an
expanded, interventionist role for the state, while liberal policies may allow the state’s role to
remain limited (Tichenor 2002). Another factor influencing the formation of immigration policy
and groups and coalitions is the prevailing economic conditions in a given state; although, periods
of economic downturn or growth do not appear to have a direct effect on the adoption of
restrictive or liberal immigration policies (Tichenor 2002). Tichenor (2002) details several
instances in the United States where expansionist policies were adopted during economic
downturns and several instances when restrictive policies were adopted during economic growth.
Immigration: Concepts of Citizenship and Identity in Receiving States
Within the migration literature examining the concept of identity and citizenship, each of
the disciplines examining migration are represented. Each discipline shares an interest in
explaining the rules and regulations for attaining citizenship and establishing identity in a given
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