Muslims and the Myths in the Immigration Politics of the United States

Abstract

Today, the explicit use of anti-immigration rhetoric has become common among a significant portion of the American political establishment. The 2016 election of President Trump generated a tougher attitude toward immigration and immigrants. Subsequently, the 2018 midterm elections revealed an increase in “Islamophobic” rhetoric among political campaigners. This article focuses on the challenges faced by one group — the Muslim community. Specifically, this article aims to shed light on the ways in which the contemporary anti-immigration atmosphere has targeted American Muslims. In doing so, this article analyzes recent public decisions that have both burdened the Muslim community and negatively affected immigrant civil liberties. Drawing on these recent decisions, the article proposes a strategy to overcome this contemporary era of fear, anxiety, and intolerance toward newcomers — specifically those with an Islamic background.

Keywords: Muslim Ban; Travel Ban; Trump v. Hawaii; Law and Religion; Immigration; Integration; Islamophobia