The Deep Hypocrisy: How U.S. Presidents Enacted Violence on the “Dangerous” Latin American Immigrant

Abstract

The purpose of this historical inquiry is to reveal the way presidents have used their speeches as a tool of constructing the narrative of the dangerous Latin American immigrant while their administrations actually inflicted violence on Latin American immigrants and Latin American countries. Narratives will be analyzed through three case studies focused on President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Ronald Reagan, and President Trump. In order to analyze the way these presidents characterized Latin American immigrants in comparison with their immigration and foreign policies, this study utilized qualitative case study methodology. These case studies will cover topics of immigration, racism, and Latin America.