Special Issue: Who Belongs?

Studies in Law, Politics, and Society is essential reading for legal scholars with a unique focus on the disciplines of sociology, politics and the humanities. This 60th anniversary issue examines how law defines identity. It discusses key topics such as; birthright citizenship, immigrant membership, immigration histories, and citizenship policies.

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The 60th volume of Studies in Law, Politics, and Society edited by Austin Sarat, is an essential text for legal scholars with a unique focus on the disciplines of sociology, politics and the humanities. This special issue interrogates how law defines identity. It addresses the key themes of immigration and citizenship, and examines the criteria that produces the label of "American". Articles discuss birthright citizenship and immigrant membership in the US, early immigration histories, sovereignty, and citizenship policies with current examples from Europe. Are all those born or naturalized in the US "American" and all those born or naturalized elsewhere not? How does law identify and decide who belongs? How does dealing with "outsiders" challenge the law? This volume answers these questions and explores how citizens are not born through accidents of geography but are made through law.