As a multicultural country, international issues are often widely discussed by news outlets and politicians. Many of the issues and policies proposed as a response do not consider the Constitutional requirements of action. This guide discusses some of the common topics discussed.
Immigration
A 2017 Annenberg Public Policy Center poll found that more than half of Americans believe illegal immigrants do not have any constitutional rights, but this is not entirely accurate, as many of our constitutional rights are not limited to US citizens.
For example, the US Supreme Court ruled in Yick Wo v. Hopkins that illegal immigrants do have Equal Protection rights under the constitution.
Cases
Here are summaries of some other important cases regarding the constitutional rights of illegal immigrants:
Library Resources
- Strangers to the Constitution: Immigrants, Borders, and Fundamental Law – by Gerald L Neuman
- Illegal Immigration – by David M Haugen, Susan Musser, and Thomson Gale
- Dreams and Nightmares: Immigration Policy, Youth, and Families – by Marjorie Sue Zatz and Nancy Rodriguez
Enemy Combatants & the War on Terror
Another hot button area of constitutional law has centered around the rights of enemy combatants captured during the war on terror.
Cases
Here are some important constitutional cases in this area:
Library Resources
- Does the Constitution Follow the Flag? : The Evolution of Territoriality in American Law – by Kal Raustiala
- Our Nation Unhinged: The Human Consequences of the War on Terror – by Peter Jan Honigsberg and Erwin Chemerinsky
- Terrorism, the Laws of War, and the Constitution: Debating the Enemy Combatant Cases – by Peter Berkowitz
Disclaimer
This guide is intended to give a general overview of the Constitution and our system of government, as well as some historical information. It may not contain the most up to date legal information and should not be considered legal advice. For help with up to date legal research email us at refdesk@clarkson.edu. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.