Disenchanting Citizenship: Mexican Migrants And The Boundaries Of Belonging Project Muse Upcc Books

Central to contemporary debates in the United States on migration and migrant policy is the idea of citizenship, and—as apparent in the continued debate over Arizona’s immigration law SB 1070—this issue remains a focal point of contention, with a key concern being whether there should be a path to citizenship for “undocumented” migrants. In __Disenchanting Citizenship__, Luis F. B. Plascencia examines two interrelated issues: U.S. citizenship and the Mexican migrants’ position in the United States. The book explores the meaning of U.S. citizenship through the experience of a unique group of Mexican migrants who were granted Temporary Status under the “legalization” provisions of the 1986 IRCA, attained Lawful Permanent Residency, and later became U.S. citizens. Plascencia integrates an extensive and multifaceted collection of interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, ethno-historical research, and public policy analysis in examining efforts that promote the acquisition of citizenship, the teaching of citizenship classes, and naturalization ceremonies. Ultimately, he unearths citizenship’s root as a Janus-faced construct that encompasses a simultaneous process of inclusion and exclusion. This notion of citizenship is mapped on to the migrant experience, arguing that the acquisition of citizenship can lead to disenchantment with the very status desired. In the end, Plascencia expands our understanding of the dynamics of U.S. citizenship as a form of membership and belonging. Disenchanting Citizenship Explores The Meaning Of U.s. Citizenship Through The Experience Of A Unique Group Of Mexican Migrants Who Were Granted Temporary Status Under The 'legalization' Provisions Of The 1986 Irca, Attained Lawful Permanent Residency, And Later Became U.s. Citizens. Luis F.b. Plascencia Integrates An Extensive And Multifaceted Collection Of Interviews, Ethnographic Fieldwork, Ethno-historical Research, And Public Policy Analysis In Examining Efforts To Promote The Acquisition Of Citizenship, The Teaching Of Citizenship Classes, And Naturalization Ceremonies. Ultimately, He Unearths Citizenship's Root As A Janus-faced Construct That Encompasses A Simultaneous Process Of Inclusion And Exclusion. This Notion Of Citizenship Is Mapped On To The Migrant Experience, With The Surprising Result That The Acquisition Of Citizenship Can Lead To Disenchantment With The Very Status Desired. In The End, Plascencia Expands Our Understanding Of The Dynamics Of U.s. Citizenship As A Form Of Membership And Belonging.--page 4 Of Cover. Introduction: Locating Citizenships -- Fields Of Citizenship -- The Janus Face Of Citizenship: The Side Of Inclusion -- The Janus Face Of Citizenship: The Side Of Exclusion -- The Making Of Citizens: Promoting And Schooling -- Bearing True Faith And Allegiance: Entering The Circle Of Citizenship -- Desire, Sacrifice, And Disenchantment -- Epilogue: The Boundaries Of Birth And Power. Luis F. B. Plascencia. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 225-245) And Index. Luis F.B. Plascencia's Disenchanting Citizenship explores two interrelated issues: U.S. citizenship and the Mexican migrants' position in the United States. Through an extensive and multifaceted collection of interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, ethno-historical research, and public policy analysis, Plascencia probes the ways in which citizenship discourses are understood and taken up by individuals. The book uncovers citizenship's root as a Janus-faced construct that encompasses a simultaneous process of inclusion and exclusion. This notion of citizenship is mapped on to t