Risk-Management Approaches in the Post 9/11 Era: A Case Study of Security Provisions within the Context of the US

Abstract: In the aftermath of 9/11, a heightened development of security provisions within the United States of America (US) has been observed. This thesis seeks to study how these security provisions have influenced the process of a securitization of migration and the conceptualization of migrants within the US. This research paper applies Foucault’s notion of biopower to study this issue by examining risk-management approaches consisting of enhanced border security, public surveillance and the use of biometrics. A content analysis on post 9/11 security measures include the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology program in order to study the immense power these security provisions hold. Results show that these policies and programs have subsequently framed certain bodies, specifically individuals from Arab and Muslim states as a threatening Other. This is further highlighted after examining migration trends of nonimmigrant students and temporary visitors entering the US from Southeast Asia, South America and the Middle East. After 9/11 an observable decrease in admissibility is most notable in the Middle East in contrast to Southeast Asia and South America. This holds various ethical implications as it can lead to a cultural polarization within the society.