BEFORE answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos 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. How is the number of illegal border crossings from Mexico measured?

3. To what does Secretary Kelly attribute the decrease in illegal border crossings?

4. Why is the marked decrease in illegal border crossings significant?

5. a) What are coyotes?
b) Why does Secretary Kelly say the decrease in the number of people crossing the border is encouraging news? (What dangers do people face in paying a coyote to smuggle them into the U.S.?)

6. a) For what reason did Secretary Kelly say he would consider separating undocumented children from their parents if caught illegally crossing the border into the U.S.?
b) Watch the videos under “Resources” below. The media unsurprisingly portrays the consideration of this policy as inhumane. After hearing Secretary Kelly’s explanation, do you think it could be actually a compassionate policy? Explain your answer.

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.