Migration is one of the most debated and urgent issues in the United States today. Why do people move? Who gets to stay, and who decides? How do laws, policies, and public perceptions shape these decisions—and the lives of millions? This course explores U.S. immigration from historical, political, economic, and cultural perspectives, connecting past policies to today’s debates on borders, security, and social justice. Topics include the historical evolution of U.S. immigration policies and legislation; migration and security post-9/11; the politics of the U.S.-Mexico border; public perceptions of migrants; debates over the costs and benefits of immigration; the #AbolishICE movement, and other forms of activism and advocacy. We will also focus on alternative narratives of migration to understand how overlooked voices—immigrants, Indigenous peoples, and communities of color—reshape our understanding of who “belongs” in the U.S. Classes will combine traditional readings with documentaries, films, press articles, literary works, guest speakers, and site visits, offering hands-on ways to engage with migration in both historical and contemporary contexts. Students will critically analyze policies, activism, and advocacy, while reflecting on how stories, images, and narratives influence public debate and social action.