Research Topic Justification and Relevance Background Prepare a critical analysis of a specific law or policy that is relevant to IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY. This analysis must contain thoughtful, reasoned discussion about the appropriateness of the law/policy, and what improvements you recommend and why. Your analysis may also address legal issues facing the homeland security/emergency management areas, including ethical issues. Instructions In developing a thematic approach to your analysis of the law or policy, please address ANY two (2) of the following course learning outcomes: Analyze the developments in immigration policy since 9/11. Appraise contemporary immigration policy and how it can impact homeland security policies. Analyze how current counterterrorism measures impact contemporary homeland security issues. Evaluate future immigration policy alternatives and how they can impact border and homeland security. Evaluate the impact of immigration policy on domestic economic issues and homeland security. Critique the ethical issues in relation to immigration policy and border security. The law or policy you choose must come from a specific level of government (e.g., in the United States, that would be the FEDERAL government )and it must be an actual current law or policy related to IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY.
Therefore, the law/policy you choose should be clearly cited and referenced in your reporting. For this project, merely providing a summary of the law or policy without analysis is not acceptable. You must support your critical analysis, discussion, conclusions, and recommendations by using course-external research. Your external research must be credible and come from authoritative sources, preferably from peer-reviewed (refereed) publications. You must use a minimum of five (5) course-external resources in your analysis. Grading preference will be given to resources which come from peer-reviewed (refereed) publications. All submissions must include the following technical components: A cover or title page. Labeled topical headings (e.g., Introduction, Literature Review, Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendations, etc.) Length: The report must contain a body of 5-7 pages, excluding cover, abstract, illustrations, graphs, table of contents, appendices, and reference pages. Reports significantly below or above the parameters will be downgraded. Please note that abstract, illustrations, graphs, table of contents, appendices are NOT required but if you do use them, they do not count as part of the body of text for length assessment. A reference page containing a minimum of five (5) course-external resources used and cited in the report. References cited at the end of the report must be cited in text to illustrate how they were used. Written in APA Style. Outline: Historical Evolution of DHS Components and Their Roles in Immigration Security I. Introduction A. Research Focus: Examining the historical development of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components and their evolving roles in managing immigration security. B. Rationale: Understanding the structural, operational, and policy-oriented dimensions of DHS in relation to immigration is critical for addressing contemporary security and humanitarian challenges. C. Objective: To provide a comprehensive analysis of how historical milestones have shaped the responsibilities of DHS components in safeguarding national security while managing immigration processes.
II. Justification for Topic Selection A. Scholarly Relevance: 1. The formation of DHS after 9/11 marked a transformative period in U.S. immigration policy and security. 2. Despite extensive literature on immigration, there remains a gap in systematically analyzing the historical and operational evolution of DHS components in this context. B. Personal and Academic Interest: 1. Analyzing how DHS policies and practices impact the balance between security and human rights. 2. Investigating inter-agency dynamics and their influence on immigration enforcement and reform. C. Policy and Practical Implications: 1. The topic contributes to policy-oriented discourse on improving coordination and efficiency within DHS. 2. It offers insights into mitigating vulnerabilities in the immigration system without compromising national security. III. Contemporary Relevance to Immigration Security A. Role in Immigration Enforcement: 1. The functions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in border surveillance and control. 2. The enforcement mandate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in interior security. 3. The service-oriented role of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in legal immigration and naturalization processes. B. Response to Modern Security Threats: 1. Tackling transnational crime, including human trafficking and drug smuggling. 2. Preventing national security risks by monitoring immigration flows and visa integrity. C. Policy Challenges and Public Perceptions: 1. DHS’s responsibility in enforcing shifting immigration policies under different administrations. 2. Balancing enforcement measures with humanitarian obligations. IV. Expected Research Outcomes and Insights A. Historical Context: 1. Detailed understanding of DHS’s establishment post-9/11 and its structural evolution. 2. Exploration of the key legislative and administrative changes shaping DHS’s immigration mandate. B. Operational Framework: 1. Critical analysis of the roles and coordination among DHS components, including ICE, CBP, USCIS, and others.
2. Examination of operational challenges and inefficiencies in addressing immigration security. C. Policy and Reform Analysis: 1. Identifying gaps in current policies and recommending potential reforms. 2. Assessing the broader implications of DHS strategies on immigration systems and human rights. V. Conclusion A. Significance of the Study: Highlighting the importance of a historical and structural analysis of DHS components to inform future research and policy reforms. B. Broader Implications: Emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that aligns national security priorities with ethical and humanitarian considerations. C. Forward-Looking Perspective: Advocating for continued interdisciplinary research to enhance the effectiveness and equity of immigration security systems.
