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Reagan's War on Immigrants: The Seeds of Resistance, Justice, Power, and Politics

Ken Simmons

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Published in Detention Empire: Reagan S War On Immigrants And The Seeds Of Resistance (Justice Power And Politics)

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The Reagan administration's immigration policies were some of the most draconian in U.S. history. These policies resulted in the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants, the criminalization of immigration, and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment. However, these policies also sparked a wave of resistance from immigrant communities and their allies, leading to the development of a powerful movement for immigrant rights.

The Reagan Administration's Immigration Policies

The Reagan administration's immigration policies were based on the belief that undocumented immigration was a threat to national security and the economy. In 1986, President Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA),which made it a crime to hire undocumented immigrants. IRCA also created a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants who had been living in the U.S. for at least five years.

Detention Empire: Reagan's War on Immigrants and the Seeds of Resistance (Justice, Power, and Politics)

by Angela Browne

4.8 out of 5

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In addition to IRCA, the Reagan administration also increased funding for border enforcement and implemented a policy of mass deportation. Between 1981 and 1989, the number of undocumented immigrants deported from the U.S. increased from 100,000 to over 1 million.

The Resistance to Reagan's Immigration Policies

Reagan's immigration policies sparked widespread resistance from immigrant communities and their allies. Immigrant rights activists argued that these policies were cruel and discriminatory. They also pointed out that the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants was tearing families apart.

In response to Reagan's immigration policies, immigrant rights activists organized protests, boycotts, and hunger strikes. They also formed sanctuary cities, which were cities that refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The Impact of Reagan's Immigration Policies

Reagan's immigration policies had a lasting impact on the U.S. immigration system. The criminalization of immigration made it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to live and work in the U.S. The mass deportation of undocumented immigrants led to the separation of families and the creation of a climate of fear in immigrant communities.

However, Reagan's immigration policies also sparked a wave of resistance that led to the development of a powerful movement for immigrant rights. This movement has won significant victories, including the passage of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the creation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from countries affected by natural disasters or armed conflict.

Reagan's war on immigrants was a watershed moment in the history of U.S. immigration policy. These policies resulted in the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants, the criminalization of immigration, and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment. However, these policies also sparked a wave of resistance from immigrant communities and their allies, leading to the development of a powerful movement for immigrant rights.

The legacy of Reagan's war on immigrants is complex and contradictory. These policies caused great harm to immigrant communities, but they also inspired a movement for immigrant rights that has won significant victories. The struggle for immigrant rights continues today, and the legacy of Reagan's war on immigrants will continue to shape this struggle for years to come.

Detention Empire: Reagan's War on Immigrants and the Seeds of Resistance (Justice, Power, and Politics)

by Angela Browne

4.8 out of 5