Abstract
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected almost every corner of the globe, nations largely closed their borders and restricted or completely halted immigration. This stance, while understandable, raises questions about how ideas of inclusivity and immigrant rights can be maintained in the midst of chaos and insecurity. This article based in the framework of critical border and migration studies provides an overview of the evolution of immigration policies during the crisis and examines how social studies teachers can problematize assumptions of restrictive immigration policies during times of uncertainty and connect the current situation with past times of crisis. Though this is relevant to teachers from all countries, there is a particular focus on the United States context. Central to the argument is that the ideals of a more open and inclusive immigration system must be maintained even during times of fear and panic. This work builds upon pedagogical scholarship on immigration in the social studies classroom while applying these ideas to the problematic and unique circumstances of immigration during a pandemic.
Highlights
It would be an understatement to say that life has changed for everyone during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic in 2020
How do educators respond in such a time as this? How do they ensure that these types of pandemic related immigration restrictions are only temporary and do not become endemic? This paper considers how educators, social studies teacher educators, can intentionally stress the values of a more open and inclusive immigration system in the midst of chaos, fear, and pandemics using the framework of critical border and migration studies and through an understanding of the broader literature on teaching about immigration within the classroom
The arguments and questions raised in this piece would be relevant in having the students begin to grapple with this issue. It is important for teachers who are discussing these issues, both during the pandemic and in future reflective retrospectives, to consider the ways that immigrants were treated during COVID-19 and how we can ensure the creation of more inclusive policies during future pandemics or other crises
Summary
It would be an understatement to say that life has changed for everyone during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic in 2020. “The COVID border ban attempts to erect a shadow immigration system devoid of constitutional protections that erases fundamental statutory safeguards implementing refugee protection obligations.” In this way the ban went far beyond a temporary necessity during a pandemic and help to further strengthen the more heavy-handed antiimmigrant policies of the executive branch, under the Trump administration.
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