SOC 374

Credit: 3 hours.

The change in origin country composition of U.S. immigrants changed dramatically post-1965 from what it was in the early twentieth century and this shift has generated much public and policy concern over the 'new" immigrants and their prospects for economic mobility and integration. Since immigration shows no signs of slowing down, its causes and consequences remain some of the most important topics of the 21st century. Some of the questions considered in this course include: Why do immigrants come to the U.S.; Is the average human capital level of immigrants declining?; Are the new immigrants assimilating into U.S. society and what does that mean? Also examines the economic impact of immigration and considers appropriate policy recommendations such as whether the U.S. should adopt a skill-based point system to regulate immigration.

Prerequisite: SOC 100.