A proposed evolution of immigration model applied to the United States, Germany, and Russia.

Abstract

This exploratory study proposes a model for examining the evolutionary nature of immigration policy, the Cappiccie Lawson Evolution Immigration Model (CLEIM). The model was applied to the United States, Germany, and Russia to provide a broad variety of immigration policy history. CLEIM, as applied to the United States, examined policy from 1882 to the present. CLEIM, as applied to German policy, examined policy from World War II to the present and Russian policy from post-Communism to present. Section I of this paper presents the proposed Cappiccie Lawson Evolution of Immigration Model (CLEIM). Sections II, III, and IV apply CLEIM to the United States, Germany and Russia immigration policy. Section V explores the commonalities between the United States, Germany, and Russia. This comparison enhances the understanding of similarities and differences in immigration policy change and implementation cross-culturally. In addition, this comparison section aids in understanding the influence of world events on change. Suggestions for the use of viewing immigration theoretically are addressed. The strengths of weaknesses of CLEIM are addressed and suggestions for the future use of this model are provided. Section VI explores the role of social work in immigration and immigration policy in the past and suggests ideas for future profession involvement