U.S. Immigration Policy in an Unsettled World
Printed Curriculum [$25]
Downloadable Curriculum [$20]
Class Set [$12.50 ea] (10 min)
Fourteenth edition. July 2010.
Overview
Since the first European settlers set foot in North America, immigration has suffused the American experience. Indeed, many of the values that unite Americans as a nation are tied to immigration. The idealism surrounding immigration explains in large part the deep feelings it engenders in the public policy arena. Today, immigrants are drawn to a life in the United States in record numbers. The United States continues to lure many with the promise of a better future. And yet, as the number of immigrants coming into the United States has increased, so has the scope of the immigration debate. Concerns about the economic security of American workers fuels the debate, just as it has throughout our history. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have added another dimension to the questions surrounding immigration.
U.S. Immigration Policy in an Unsettled World seeks to engage students in the leading issues driving the current immigration debate.
Readings
The background reading in U.S. Immigration Policy in an Unsettled World has been written to prepare students to thoughtfully consider the policy choices facing our country.
- Part I reviews how the course of economic development, immigration trends, and foreign policy concerns has left an impact on the history of immigration law.
- Part II considers the range of immigration-related issues on the American agenda today and prepares students to formulate their own ideas on the future direction of U.S. immigration policy.
The Choices Role Play
The four distinct policy directions, or options, at the core of the unit are designed to help students clarify their thoughts and, ultimately, articulate their own views. Each is grounded in a clearly defined philosophy about the U.S. role in the world and the place of immigrants in our society. By exploring a broad spectrum of alternatives, students gain a deeper understanding of the competing values and assumptions that frame the debate on U.S. immigration policy.
Lessons
The Teacher's Resource Book accompanying U.S. Immigration Policy in an Unsettled World contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day One involves students in a document activity that recalls the values, attitudes, and concerns associated with immigration policy in the early 1900s.
- Days Two and Three feature a simulation in which students assume the roles of advocates for the four options.
- Day Four introduces two more documents to acquaint students with recent developments in immigration policy.
- Day Five asks students to consider the long-range consequences of their own options.