This CNNfyi.com lesson plan is supplemented with material from

Immigration

May 24, 2001
Web posted at: 7:20 PM EDT (2320 GMT)

Curriculum connections: Social Studies - North America

After students read the CNNfyi.com article "Mexico promises survival kits as more would-be immigrants die in Arizona," ask the following questions:

1. How is the Mexican government helping would-be immigrants? Why do you think the Mexican government is helping people who want to immigrate? Who is Juan Hernandez? What do you think is his primary goal? According to the article, why are U.S. officials critical of giving survival kits to would-be immigrants?

2. What are some factors contributing to the large number of deaths of people crossing the Mexico-U.S. border? Why do you think people are willing to risk their lives to cross into the United States? What is a guest worker visa? How would this be beneficial to both the United States and Mexico?

3. Divide students into small groups. Have each group research different programs available to immigrants in the United States. These may include permanent resident visas (green cards), re-entry permits or returning resident visas. Students can include how to obtain these permits and their requirements. Invite each group to share its information.

4. Generate a class discussion on why countries have immigration laws. Have students formulate opinions about how the population of the United States would be affected if it did not have any immigration laws.

Extension:

How do people preserve their heritage when they move to another country? Students can follow Highwired.com's "Immigrant foods" study plan to consider ways in which immigrants can preserve their cultural heritage.

Conviction highlights horrors of human trafficking
April 5, 2001

Laws, Regulations, and Guides
U.S.Immigration Laws
The National Immigration Forum

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