Grad Studies: Infusing Human Experience into Narratives of Immigration Law

Isabel Bethke is working not only on a PhD in English but also on a JD at the University of Minnesota Law School. Bethke’s dissertation project, currently entitled "Narrative and the Law: Applying Narrative Discourse in Refugee and Asylum Law,” reflects Bethke’s strong interests in literature and the law. And Bethke has been buoyed by encouragement from advisors from the English department, the Law School, and the Immigration History Research Center: “They have provided perspective, encouraging words, and essential criticisms that have molded me as a student and educator.” Bethke graciously answered questions via email.

Please describe your dissertation project. 

Over the past three years, I have acted as a legal representative with the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic here at UMN and Advocates for Human Rights, assisting migrants as they submit their asylum applications. To apply for asylum, a migrant must write or seek legal assistance in writing a narrative history. Lawyers and legal scholars are not taught narrative theory but are asked to create narratives for their asylum-seeking clients every day. Drafting personal narratives across time and language barriers requires writing skills that are not taught in law schools, nor emphasized in immigration law firms and non-profits.

By examining the intersection of literature and law at the nexus of narrative discourse, I reinfuse the legal process with the real, human experiences at the core of legal cases in refugee and asylum law. Incorporating narrative method into legal analysis reveals both purposeful and accidental perpetuation of negative stereotypes of those seeking asylum and refugee status in the United States. My goal with this project is to bring new discourse around the way cases are constructed to examine the innately discriminatory language required to succeed in asylum/refugee law cases, and how lawyers, other legal actors, lawmakers, and the voting public are complicit in this process. My work addresses this weaponized language, dismantles it, and proposes policy changes, as national immigration law has remained stagnant since 1996. 

Have certain professors significantly nurtured the project?

My English advisors Ellen Messer-Davidow and Tim Brennan. As a fellow law and literature scholar, Ellen in particular has inspired some interesting research questions that I am excited to embark upon. I am also grateful to English Professor Megan Finch for serving on my prelim committee. The University of Minnesota Law School has a very strong clinical program, led by Steve Meili, that has informed my work so far. My experiences with the Immigration History Research Center and Archive and Assistant Director Michele Waslin have broadened my world view and provided an academic home that combines law and literature. My advisors have been my greatest confirmation that UMN is the right place for my academic growth: they have all been such incredible advocates and mentors.

What else have you appreciated about your studies here at the U?

The English department has offered many opportunities for student leadership. I have served on several department committees, led research groups, and been asked for feedback on department processes. This has given me insight into how the department works on an administrative level. 

You were selected as the Great Lakes representative to the Modern Language Association Delegate Assembly. What does that entail?

Thus far the position has been very low-key. I feel grateful to now receive emails on important updates, and be involved in reviewing and providing feedback on potential ballot measures ahead of the yearly conference.

If you are not from Minnesota, what has been your favorite discovery?

My favorite place in Minnesota is the Walker Art Museum. I really struggle with the cold and snow, but a trip to the Walker never fails to brighten a gray day. In the same vein, last year I attended the MCAD student art show for the first time, and was in awe of the incredible talent on display there. I have since connected with one of the artists from the show for a commissioned piece, something I never thought would be in reach, especially on a graduate student budget!