The Society of Progressive Law Practitioners recently invited Professor David Brotherton, a distinguished scholar who has dedicated over three decades to studying street movements and deportation issues within the United States, to talk through his unique perspective on the subject. His lengthy academic tenure has given him a wealth of experiences. Among several activities, one of his notable contributions involves serving as an expert witness during numerous immigration removal proceedings. This involvement has led to improved outcomes over the years in these complex cases.
Back in 2016, an audit was launched into Professor Brotherton’s body of work by none other than an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attorney. This comprehensive examination aimed to evaluate both his professional engagements and travel history. The professor kicked off his engaging talk by offering the audience insight into the genesis of his interest in deportation studies, which was largely spurred by his early research encounters in New York during the mid-90s.
There, for the first time, he uncovered a largely unaddressed issue of widespread deportation targeting the Dominican community. Two primary contributors led to this disturbing scenario: the aggressive ‘zero tolerance’ policy promoted by Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and the repercussions of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act that was enacted in 1996.
Contrary to popular belief, the framework for the immigration policies seen during the Trump era was laid out long before his administration, and Brotherton aimed to shed light on this overlooked fact. He discussed an often-underemphasized reality – the role of Democratic Party-controlled administrations, particularly those of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, which played a pivotal role in enforcing the immigration laws that laid the groundwork for the current state of affairs.
Turning his attention to the issues currently faced by the migrant community, Brotherton described a difficult landscape. The everyday reality for many immigrants is one of fear – fear that is preventing their active participation in the societal structures around them.
Appropriately, Brotherton raised the question of possible future avenues for immigration and deportation policy within the US. He presented an encouraging observation that more and more people are voicing their opposition to the present policies. This sentiment has not only been articulated in private spaces, but also echoed in well-attended public demonstrations.
He moved on to discuss the ensuing dialogues that followed his presentation, highlighting the breadth of worry regarding the preservation of democratic rights in the United States. This concern was not confined to a specific demographic but extended across a myriad of professions and sectors, pointing to a potential impending political crisis.
According to Brotherton, warning signs are appearing, with the increasing pressure on the Trump administration coupled with falling approval ratings heralding potential tumultuous times ahead. He posited that the first signs of progress are beginning to manifest, notably in the form of solidarity movements sprouting up not just in major city centres, but also in less densely populated rural areas.
The Professor also directed his analysis towards the future prospects of the Democratic Party, postulating that the existing political climate could catalyse a significant transformation within its ranks. He sees a growing call for a forward-thinking political blueprint, a vision for the future that is less reactionary and more proactive.
Particularly heartening for Brotherton is the response seen from the younger generation. Their active involvement in extensive movements spells a promising future for meeting upcoming societal and political challenges. Their lived experiences of this period of political turmoil are set to become pivotal as we chart the way forward.
The post Professor Brotherton Sheds Light on US Immigration History appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
