NOTE TO STUDENTS: This is a controversial issue for many Americans. Be polite to those with whom you disagree when discussing these types of issues and always give the other person a chance to explain his/her point of view. Also, learn how to recognize when it is no longer productive to discuss an issue on which you strongly disagree.

BEFORE answering the questions, read the "Background" and watch the video under "Resources" below.

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. Where will DHS begin building the wall on the U.S. border with Mexico?

3. What role does Secretary Kelly have in the construction of the wall?

4. a) What does Secretary Kelly say about obtaining the necessary funding for the wall?
b) When does he say construction will begin?

5. In addition to building the wall, what would Secretary Kelly like to do to stop people from crossing the border into the U.S. without permission?

6. Regarding opposition to President Trump’s executive action to put a temporary hold on immigration from 7 countries until the U.S. vetting process is 100% secure, Secretary suggested critics had blown the issue out of proportion. He said, “Mr. Trump is not loved by everyone in America, and I think this very rapid succession of decisions, I don’t think the American public is really all that used to people making decisions. I really don’t think they’re used to people that say things on the campaign trail actually turning them into action.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.

7. One of Donald Trump’s campaign promises was to build a wall on our southern border and make Mexico pay for it. Do you think he will do so? Explain your answer.
(Consider this: Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has vowed that his country “would not pay.” President Trump said there are several options they are considering to have Mexico pay for the wall: a 20 percent tax on imports from Mexico, an increase in visa and border-crossing card fees, or the possibility of threatening to cancel visas and/or restrict wire transfers as leverage. Fox News reports that the import tax option gained prominence over the last week after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer mentioned it, in the wake of Trump signing the executive order directing the wall’s construction.)

CHALLENGE QUESTION:
Read the text of President Trump’s executive order: “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements.”
a) On what authority does President Trump issue these orders?
b) List the reasons he gives for the necessity of building a wall/securing the border.
c) How does this explanation differ from news reports about this issue?
d) Do the actions President Trump authorizes in this order make Americans more safe or less safe? Explain your answer.
e) Ask a parent the same questions. Discuss your answers.