URCAD Sneak Peek: Jessica Busch

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:19:29 -0400

Title:The Effects of 9/11 on US Immigration: How the US Halted Immigration Reform and Created an Anti-Immigrant Police State

Jessica Busch's oral presentation is from 2:35-2:50pm in RAC 106.

Mentor: Meredith Oyen, History

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 marked a turning point in the way Americans viewed immigration, and those views impacted immigration policy in ways we are still experiencing nearly 25 years later. This research explores the impact of 9/11 on U.S. immigration policy in three parts: the public and political stance on immigration during the 2000 Presidential Election and the first seven months of the Bush Administration; the immediate public and policy response to 9/11 and the increased power given to the Executive Branch through the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 and Homeland Security Act of 2002; and the ways that the Trump Administration has weaponized the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Patrol against immigrants and U.S. citizens. This research demonstrates that post-9/11 policies, while intended to protect Americans and promote national security, have had unintended consequences that are evident in the actions of the Trump Administration.

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC!

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