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Fernando Chang-Muy

This course begins by exploring short term entry and long term entry into the United States. We will cover the various means of short term entry and long term entry, as well as the general application processes. We will also examine exclusion and deportation in the United States. In particular, we will discuss how and why individuals may not be admitted into the United States and possible reasons for deportation or removal. Lastly, we will cover the process of how to become a United States citizen and the various requirements for naturalization.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Nuts and Bolts of U.S. Immigration Law
Welcome to this course on U.S. Immigration Law! In this introductory module, we will discuss short term entry in the United States. This will include a discussion about the various means of short term entry and the general application process. We will also cover the fundamentals of student visas, work visas, and humanitarian visas.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the intricacies of US immigration law, which is crucial for individuals navigating immigration processes
Examines both short-term and long-term entry into the US, catering to a wide range of immigration scenarios
Covers the processes of exclusion and deportation, providing insights into potential legal challenges
Clarifies the path to US citizenship, guiding learners through the naturalization process
Instructed by Fernando Chang-Muy, whose expertise in immigration law adds credibility to the course

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Reviews summary

Foundational u.s. immigration law overview

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured overview of U.S. immigration law, making complex topics understandable. Many praise the expert and passionate instructor for clear explanations and precise guidance. It is considered an excellent starting point for beginners and professionals seeking foundational knowledge. While the course provides a solid theoretical framework, some students note a desire for more practical scenarios or case studies. A recurring concern is that certain content may be outdated regarding recent policy changes, suggesting a need for updates. Overall, it's highly recommended for gaining a strong grasp of the 'nuts and bolts' of the subject.
Lectures are generally clear, but some sections are dense.
"The lectures were clear and the examples truly helped solidify my understanding."
"Lectures were well-paced and Professor X's explanations were always precise."
"I found the section on exclusion and deportation a bit dense; I think more simplified examples or a visual aid could have improved clarity."
Well-structured content covering foundational immigration law.
"This course was absolutely fantastic! The 'nuts and bolts' approach incredibly helpful. The structure from short-term to citizenship made it easy to follow."
"I found this a very comprehensive overview of U.S. immigration law; the modules on long-term entry were particularly insightful."
"The course covers a vast amount of material without feeling overwhelming. I now feel much more confident discussing these topics."
Clear and precise explanations from a knowledgeable instructor.
"The instructor, Professor X, explained complex topics in such an understandable way."
"Professor X is clearly an expert and a great communicator."
"I felt the professor's passion for the subject shine through, making learning engaging."
Minor technical issues with audio in some lectures.
"I encountered a few instances where the audio quality in the lectures was inconsistent, making it hard to follow."
"This was a minor annoyance, but the inconsistent audio accumulated over time and detracted from the experience."
"I sometimes struggled to follow the lectures due to fluctuating sound levels."
Excellent for basics, but some desire more real-world application.
"I was hoping for more practical scenarios or case studies. While the concepts were explained well, it felt a bit too theoretical for my professional needs."
"Some of the case examples felt a bit abstract, and I prefer more concrete, real-world application examples."
"I learned a lot, but I wouldn't expect to be an expert after this; it's a great starting point, but I'll need more study."
Some information may be outdated due to recent policy changes.
"Honestly, I found some parts outdated, especially concerning recent changes in policy... I wish there was an update."
"I did notice a couple of small discrepancies with very recent legislative changes, which makes me wonder about future updates."
"For someone practicing, I felt this might lead to confusion given the outdated specifics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nuts and Bolts of U.S. Immigration Law with these activities:
Review Immigration Law Basics: Terms and Processes
Refresh your understanding of essential immigration law terms and processes, laying a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Immigration Law
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  • Review the definition and types of immigration
  • Explore key immigration processes such as citizenship and permanent residency
  • Become familiar with common immigration terminology
Review Legal Writing and Research Skills
Sharpen your legal writing and research abilities to effectively communicate and analyze immigration law-related information.
Browse courses on Legal Writing
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  • Review the fundamental principles of legal writing
  • Practice drafting legal documents such as memos and briefs
  • Enhance your legal research skills using databases and case law
Analyze Immigration Case Studies
Engage in critical analysis of real-world immigration cases to enhance your understanding of legal principles and decision-making.
Browse courses on Case Study Analysis
Show steps
  • Read and summarize an immigration case study
  • Identify the legal issues presented in the case
  • Analyze the court's reasoning and decision
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Nuts and Bolts of U.S. Immigration Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Immigration Services Officer
This course provides an outstanding foundation for someone interested in a career as an Immigration Services Officer. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for an Immigration Services Officer, who is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and adjudicating immigration applications.
Professor
This course provides a strong foundation for someone interested in a career as a Professor specializing in immigration law. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for a Professor who wants to teach and research immigration law.
Policy Analyst
This course provides an excellent foundation for someone interested in a career as a Policy Analyst specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for a Policy Analyst who wants to develop and implement policies that affect immigrants.
Interpreter
This course provides an excellent foundation for someone interested in a career as an Interpreter specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for an Interpreter who wants to provide language assistance to immigrants.
Teacher
This course provides a strong foundation for someone interested in a career as a Teacher specializing in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or citizenship preparation. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for a Teacher who wants to help immigrants learn English or prepare for citizenship.
Business Owner
This course provides an excellent foundation for someone interested in starting their own business that serves immigrants. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for a Business Owner who wants to understand the legal needs of their immigrant customers.
Nonprofit Program Manager
This course provides a strong foundation for someone interested in a career as a Nonprofit Program Manager specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for a Nonprofit Program Manager who wants to develop and implement programs that serve immigrants.
Journalist
This course may be useful for someone interested in a career as a Journalist specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be helpful for a Journalist who wants to report on immigration issues.
Humanitarian Aid Worker
This course provides an excellent foundation for someone interested in a career as a Humanitarian Aid Worker specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including humanitarian visas and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be essential for a Humanitarian Aid Worker who wants to provide assistance to immigrants.
Immigration Lawyer
If you are interested in a career as an Immigration Lawyer, this course may be useful. The course covers the basics of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for an aspiring Immigration Lawyer.
Border Patrol Agent
This course may be useful for someone interested in a career as a Border Patrol Agent. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation. This knowledge would be helpful for a Border Patrol Agent, who is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and protecting the border.
Consultant
This course may be useful for someone interested in a career as a Consultant specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be helpful for a Consultant who wants to provide advice and guidance to clients on immigration matters.
Social Worker
This course may be useful for someone interested in a career as a Social Worker specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be helpful for a Social Worker who wants to provide support and assistance to immigrants.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
This course may be useful for someone interested in a career as a Diversity and Inclusion Manager specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including the diversity visa program and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be helpful for a Diversity and Inclusion Manager who wants to develop and implement initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion among immigrants.
Researcher
This course may be useful for someone interested in a career as a Researcher specializing in immigration. The course covers the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including short term and long term entry, exclusion and deportation, and the process of becoming a United States citizen. This knowledge would be helpful for a Researcher who wants to conduct research on immigration issues.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Nuts and Bolts of U.S. Immigration Law.
Comprehensive treatise on immigration and nationality law. It covers all aspects of the field, from entry into the United States to naturalization.
Treatise on U.S. immigration and nationality law. It is organized by topic, and provides a detailed discussion of the law and its application.
Provides a concise overview of the fundamental principles of U.S. immigration law.
Provides an overview of the debate over immigration reform in the United States. It covers topics such as the economic and social impact of immigration, the rights of immigrants, and the future of immigration policy.
Memoir by J. D. Vance, a white working-class man who grew up in Appalachia. It discusses his experiences growing up in poverty and his struggle to escape his circumstances.
Examines the impact of immigration on Europe. It discusses the social, economic, and political challenges that Europe faces as a result of immigration.
Explores the experiences of white working-class Americans who voted for Donald Trump. It argues that these voters are motivated by a sense of economic anxiety and cultural displacement.
Memoir by Megan Phelps-Roper, a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church. It discusses her experiences growing up in the church and her decision to leave.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of U.S. immigration and refugee law and policy.

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