In this unique comparative study, Legomsky explores the roles of the American and British courts in immigration cases. He persuasively argues that, in remarkably similar ways, the two sets of courts have deviated from general principles of public law when confronted with immigration cases and offers both legal and political explanations for this pattern. Intended not only for those interested specifically in immigration, this book also holds new insights for anyone concerned with public or comparative law, judicial sociology, or the interaction of law and politics.