MLAW315

Notions of who is an American - and who is not - are deeply rooted in the American ethos. Although the United States has long been praised for its inclusiveness vis-a-vis citizenship - including a policy of jus soli, or birthright citizenship - a closer look reveals a difficult history involving the categorical exclusion of many groups from American citizenship. In this seminar, we will examine this history, focusing particularly on Black and Native Americans and immigrants, and drawing upon legal cases, historical texts, and personal narratives detailing the lived experiences of those seeking American citizenship. We will trace this history to the present and explore the current process and requirements for becoming an American citizen. In addition to the listed instructor, this course will also offer an opportunity for students to engage with a range of different actors in the citizenship and naturalization space through guest lectures and discussions from immigration clinical legal students from the Maryland Carey School of Law, academics, law professors, leading legal practitioners, and other experts.