The “Nature” of American Immigration Restrictionism
Date
2014
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Routledge
Abstract
How do commitments to nature factor into the American immigration
restrictionist movement? This question initially appears odd; in contemporary American
politics, environmentalism is generally assumed to be a value of the political left, and
restrictionism of the right. Through an in-depth analysis of the American “environmental
restrictionist” logic, this article suggests that the reality is more complicated. First, the
historical trajectory of the relationship between nature and restrictionism is outlined,
demonstrating that commitments to particular conceptions of nature have long intersected
with American restrictionism. Second, textual analysis, semi-structured interviews, and
content analysis are employed in analyzing how contemporary activists making the
environmental argument against immigration conceptualize nature and relate it to
foundational ideals of political community, political economy, and governance. Three
discourses of environmental restrictionism are identified, and the role that nature plays in
each is detailed. The article concludes by reflecting on the resonance of these “natures”
with mainstream American greens, and offering several prescriptions for
environmentalists concerned with inclusion and social justice.
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Keywords
Emigration & immigration, Restrictions, Environmental protection, Social movements, Social justice, Environment, Immigration
Citation
John Hultgren (2014) The “Nature” of American Immigration Restrictionism, New Political Science, 36:1, 52-75, DOI: 10.1080/07393148.2013.864899