Immigration

U.S. Immigration Policy in an Unsettled World

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 reading prepares 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 options at the core of the unit are 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

Immigration Policy in U.S. History
Through close reading of excerpts from the 1911 Dillingham Commission report, students examine historical forces that influenced early 1900s immigration policy.

Immigration Profiles
Students compare stories of seven fictional immigrants to understand the reasons behind different types of immigration and the hurdles immigrants face.

Role-Playing the Four Options
Working cooperatively to develop and present different U.S. immigration policy options to members of Congress, students are able to clarify and evaluate alternative policy recommendations.

Looking into the Future
Armed with historical knowledge and a sense of their own values, students deliberate the options presented. They articulate coherent recommendations for U.S. policy while factoring in related topics, such as the economy or social service costs.

Understanding the Immigrant Experience
Students write a short essay or prepare a short oral presentation.

Becoming a Citizen
After reviewing the U.S. naturalization test, students reflect on the nature of the test's questions.