Post-9/11 U.S. Immigration Laws and Implications for Muslims

Abstract

U.S. immigration laws and policy changed in the aftermath of 9/11. This paper provides an overview of the most significant changes to U.S. immigration policy since 2001, focusing on the legislative and policy response toward immigrants. This study examines whether these policy changes and laws have affected or targeted any particular community in America—specifically, Muslim immigrants—by reviewing some significant policy documents and laws i.e., the U.S. Patriot Act, National Strategy for Homeland Security, National Security Entry-Exit Registration System. This paper is divided into three major sections while adopting the qualitative approach to reach the findings. The first section reviews the laws and policies introduced after 9/11 in America and analyzes how these regulations were affecting the minorities residing in the U.S. while considering the success of the new immigration system. The second section provides an overview of the U.S. judicial response toward securing and safeguarding the rights of immigrants who were directly affected by the new immigration laws. The third and final part of this study describes the latest immigration reforms, particularly under the post 9/11 administration.

Keywords: immigration, Islamophobia, Muslims, reforms.