Program Overview

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Overview of U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law

This course provides an overview of immigration law and policy, combining a study of constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and administrative regulations. The course examines the constitutional law governing noncitizens as they seek to enter and remain in the United States, as well as the statutory provisions governing humanitarian protection, family-based and employment-based migration.

Course Description

The course explores the legal, social, historical, and political factors that have constructed immigration law and policy in the U.S. In examining these various factors, the course analyzes several inherent conflicts that arise in immigration law, including the tension between the right of a sovereign nation to determine whom to admit to the nation state and the constitutional and human rights of noncitizens to gain admission or stay in the U.S.

Course Areas of Practice

• Administrative and Regulatory Law
• Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
• International and Comparative Law
• Law, Democracy, and Society

Evaluation Methods

• Final Exam
• Practical exercises
• Class participation

Degree Requirements

• JD elective
• JD Standard 303(c)
• IntlLLM-SJD-EXC elective
• LLM-ICL (JD) elective
• PIPS elective

Pre/Co-requisites

The course satisfies the pre-requisite or co-requisite requirement to enroll in the Immigrant Rights Clinic.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law

Sample Syllabi

• 351-01-Spring2024-syllabus.pdf (396.97 KB)

Course Offerings

The course has been offered in various semesters, including:

Fall 2025

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 3
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Practical exercises, Class participation
• Instructor: Emily Ryo

Spring 2025

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 3
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Practical exercises, Class participation
• Instructor: Kate Evans

Spring 2024

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 3
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Practical exercises, Class participation
• Instructor: Kate Evans
• Syllabus: 351-01-Spring2024-syllabus.pdf (396.97 KB)

Spring 2023

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 3
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Practical exercises, Class participation
• Instructor: Kate Evans

Spring 2022

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 3
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Practical exercises, Class participation
• Instructor: Kate Evans

Spring 2021

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 3
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Class participation
• Instructor: Kate Evans

Spring 2020

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 3
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Class participation
• Instructor: Eisha Jain

Spring 2019

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 2
• Evaluation Method: Reflective Writing, Class participation
• Instructor: Eisha Jain

Fall 2017

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 2
• Evaluation Method: Final Exam, Class participation
• Instructor: Jason Patil

Fall 2016

• Course Number: 351.01
• Course Credits: 2
• Evaluation Method: Research and/or analytical paper(s), Reflective Writing, Oral presentation, Class participation
• Instructor: Lynn Calder

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