Immigration Article of the Day: Citizenship Denied: From Dred Scott to Deportation by Karla Mari McKanders

Citizenship Denied: From Dred Scott to Deportation by Karla Mari McKanders

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that, despite this guarantee, the United States has maintained second-class status for Black people that has locked them out of full membership in American society. This means that throughout history, even when Black people obtain citizenship on paper, they are still excluded from the full benefits of membership.  The first part of this paper explains how anti-Black racism has shaped the rules about who gets to be a citizen. This section discusses how, both during and after the era of slavery, Black people in this country continued to be denied equal rights. The second part explores how Black migrants are deported more often because of anti-Black racism. The paper ends with ideas for changing laws and policies so that everyone—no matter their race or immigration status—is treated fairly and is fully included in American life.