Anatomy of a Public Policy: The Reform of Contemporary American Immigration Law

(Hardback)

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LeMay offers an insightful examination of the enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and the Immigration Act of 1990. Using the enactment of immigration policy reform--the most substantial since 1965--he illustrates the various stages of the public policy process. He shows how problems, such as the illegal alien influx, become perceived of as public problems and get on the policy agenda of government. He illustrates the interaction of interest groups and political leadership in the branches of government in the formulation and enactment of policy reform. By examining this area of public policy--one rich in human interest as well as substantive importance to American politics and public policy--LeMay provides useful insights into the policy process, Congressional decision-making, and the complexity of regulatory policy. This book will be of value to scholars of the immigration process, lawyers and practitioners involved in immigration, students of Congressional decision-making and of the public policy process, and general readers.

Reviews

.,."detailed and factual...LeMay introduces fascinating complexities into the discussion of the forces behind the making of immigration policy."-International Migration Review
...detailed and factual...LeMay introduces fascinating complexities into the discussion of the forces behind the making of immigration policy.-International Migration Review
Michael LeMay catalogues the legislative process by which policymakers, who in the 1960s sought to reform immigration to accomplish civil rights objects...unwittingly set in motion forces that have had unforseen consequences and have proven difficult to control ever since...The legislative history review is excellent in its factual coverage and presentation...As a teaching device for students of public affairs, the book successfully accomplishes its stated goal-Administrative Science Quarterly
..."detailed and factual...LeMay introduces fascinating complexities into the discussion of the forces behind the making of immigration policy."-International Migration Review
"Michael LeMay catalogues the legislative process by which policymakers, who in the 1960s sought to reform immigration to accomplish civil rights objects...unwittingly set in motion forces that have had unforseen consequences and have proven difficult to control ever since...The legislative history review is excellent in its factual coverage and presentation...As a teaching device for students of public affairs, the book successfully accomplishes its stated goal"-Administrative Science Quarterly

Author Bio

MICHAEL C. LeMAY is Professor and Chairman, Department of Political Science, and Director, National Security Studies Program, California State University, San Bernardino. Among his earlier publications are From Open Door to Dutch Door and The Gatekeepers (Praeger, 1987 and 1989, respectively).