Undocumented migration in the United States: an overview of historical and current policy contexts

Abstract

The aims of this overview are to provide a brief historical review of federal, state, and local immigration policies and to examine the historical origin and current constructions of the undocumented immigrant. We discuss how past and current policies promote, regulate, restrict, and deter immigration into the United States and access to health services and draw implications for the profession of nursing.

Keywords: Immigration; Policy; Undocumentedness.