The Criminalization of Immigration: Value Conflicts for the Social Work Profession

Authors

Rich Furman, University of Washington, Tacoma
Alissa R. Ackerman, University of Washington, Tacoma
Melody Loya, West Texas A & M
Susanna Jones, Long Island University, Brooklyn
Nalini Negi, University of Maryland

Keywords

Immigration, social work ethics, criminalization of immigration, globalization

Abstract

This article examines the impact of the criminalization of immigration on non-documented immigrants and the profession of social work. To meet its aims, the article explores the new realities for undocumented immigrants within the context of globalization. It then assesses the criminal justice and homeland security responses to undocumented immigrants, also referred to as the criminalization of immigration. It subsequently explores the ethical dilemmas and value discrepancies for social workers that are implicated in some of these responses. Finally, it presents implications for social workers and the social work profession.

Recommended Citation

Furman, Rich; Ackerman, Alissa R.; Loya, Melody; Jones, Susanna; and Negi, Nalini (2012) "The Criminalization of Immigration: Value Conflicts for the Social Work Profession," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 39: Iss. 1, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3654
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol39/iss1/9