When this course was first offered in 2007 it was called “Immigration - Melting Pot or Boiling Cauldron?” It is now clear that the discussion about immigration is not only a boiling cauldron, but that it contains a poisonous ingredient - race. Identity and race have always been factors in shaping who should enter our country, but today we see more emotion than reason. We will look at many of the issues that are frequently misrepresented and misunderstood such as chain immigration, “illegals,” birthright citizenship, the “right” people, border security. We will consider the economic costs and benefits of immigration and how other countries handle immigration and refugees. We will look at immigration laws and visa categories, the history of American immigration, humanitarian concerns and politics. Immigration is an issue that could be resolved with good will and reason. The course will include brief lectures and discussion.