On the Management of Non-Whites: Deportation and Exclusion as Techniques of White Supremacy

Abstract

Deportation and exclusion have been used throughout American history to define the borders of white communities. During colonial times and later, American Indians and free blacks were deported and excluded to protect white communities. Formerly colonial powers were later vested in the federal government as plenary powers. Thus the plenary powers of Congress include powers over immigration, naturalization, territories and admission of states. These broad powers have been used primarily for overt racial management. This article discusses prominent examples, including the outright exclusion of Chinese migrants, the delay in statehood for New Mexico, the reluctance to incorporate Puerto Rico, up to the contemporary vilification and exclusion of undocumented migrants and refugees.

Keywords: Race, Whiteness, Immigration, Deportation, Exclusion, Indians, Free Blacks, Chinese, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Latino Immigrants