Legality means coming to terms with the apparatus for civic engagement in society. For minoritized populations (legal and foreign-born), these boundaries of legality have historically defined their life chances and opportunities. For African Americans, the lived realities of citizenship often mean coming to terms with daily encounters with racism and structural discrimination which affirm and reaffirm citizenship boundaries. From historical landmarks like the Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) case which barred African Americans from citizenship, to the 14th Amendment which guaranteed it—but granted citizenship under the specter of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). Ongoing research unpacks how these demarcations continue to be drawn and redrawn for minoritized populations. Work published in the
Journal of African American Studies as well as Ethnicity and Health highlight these complexities Legal status has fundamental meanings for immigrants—especially those who are racial minorities. The acquisition of status permits an engagement in society which many who are undocumented do not have. Yet, the acquisition of status is difficult and marred by considerable wait-times for those in visa (or green card queues). Many can expect to wait decades to achieve legality. Visa queues and policy changes have led to an increasing number of undocumented and mixed-status families unable to legally reside in the United States. Amid aggressive enforcement policies, family unity is undermined by lack of status, deportation—or the fear of deportation. Ongoing research identifies how these frameworks affected legality during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they continue in the post COVID-19 era. Work published in Migration and Development and Health Education and Behavior underscore the intersectional dimensions of race and legality |