Courses on the economics of immigration and economics in general both investigate how the production, distribution and consumption of services and goods are impacted by migrant labor. They may also address the economic reasons for migration and remittances.
Courses in these fields are closely related as political realities inform the immigration laws that are made by the U.S. Government. They examine the collective decisions we make and the implementation of laws and policy regarding who is permitted entry into this country and who is entitled to citizenship.
One way to explore the immigrant experience and the various attitudes Americans had toward immigrants is through film and the written word. By reading works by the immigrants themselves you can learn about their cultures, religion, and hopes and dreams with regard to America. Film is a great way to investigate the many ways in which immigrants, race and ethnicity were constructed visually.
Sociology, the study of society and human activity, has its origins in the study of the mass migration of the early 20th century. These courses investigate modern migration movements with the aim of improving social welfare and policy as well as the experience of the immigrants of America.
An American Immigration history survey is offered by most colleges and universities and usually address the aspects of law, economics, politics, literature and sociology . While such courses examine immigration to America from the colonial era to the present, the bulk of the material is focused on post-1850 history. Upper-level or graduate courses are may be defined by an ethnic group and/or time period. For example, The Irish Experience in America, 1845-1945; Arab-American Communities in Detroit; or American Responses to the 'New Immigration,' 1870-1941.