NOTE: “Answers” emails have ended for the school year and will resume September 2nd.
Daily posting will end for the summer on June 13th and will resume August 25th.

NOTE TO STUDENTS:  The issue of the large number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. is a controversial topic. Remember that most of the people who come here do so to have the opportunity for a better life and the freedom to make it happen.  But this is not an issue of being “unkind,” rather an issue of enforcing the law. Also, in this age of terrorism, it is crucial that we know who is coming into the U.S., and for what purpose.  Those who enforce U.S. laws should not be accused of being unkind – they are being responsible.  On the other hand, those who support citizenship for all undocumented immigrants are being compassionate and aren't concerned with the numbers or the law with which they disagree.   People on both sides of this issue feel that they support the policies that are best for our country.  Speak courteously to one another on this topic.

1. Define the following:

• migrant
• immigrant
• undocumented immigrant
• illegal immigrant

2. a) 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.)
b) Why have ICE officials done this?

3. a) What is FAIR?
b) What concerns do Border Enforcement and organizations like FAIR have with ICE’s actions? (see para. 4-6, 15)

4. a) What concerns do advocates who help illegal immigrants have with ICE’s actions?
b) What did Cyndi Whitmore find at the Greyhound bus station? How are these advocacy groups helping the undocumented immigrants?

5. Border enforcement groups are concerned that illegal immigrants will now disappear into the U.S., spurring even more to come illegally. In paragraph 5, Ira Mehlmen says, "This is a huge concern. [Not detaining people who are in the U.S. illegally] is exactly the incentive for people to cross the border illegally.” What has immigration advocate volunteer Laurie Melrood noticed that suggests Mr. Mehlman’s concerns are valid? (see para. 9)

6. a) What happens to families who come to the U.S. illegally if they are caught by Border Patrol and handed over to ICE?
b) Read the information on ICE under “Background” below. How does the explanation of ICE’s mission under “Background” differ from the description of its priorities in para. 14?

7. Currently U.S. federal law prohibits non-citizens from entering the U.S. illegally. (see “Background” below for the text)

1. The federal government has never really fully enforced this law.  It is acceptable for a federal government agency (ICE) to choose which laws they will enforce?  If a citizen ignores a law he/she doesn't like such as paying federal income tax, is he free to ignore it? Explain your answer.
2. Are the actions of the federal government, in not enforcing the law and also refusing to secure all of our borders,  causing the problem? Human compassion would lead most of us to help women and children (including babies) who were just dropped at a bus station - without diapers or formula (or food). What number of women and children dropped off at a bus station will be too many for the volunteers to help? 1,000? 10,000? …
3. What do you think? Should the federal government continue its present course?  Should officials find housing and jobs for any immigrants who are lucky enough to make it across the border illegally, or should they take real action to seal the borders and enforce the law?  Explain your answer.
4. If potential immigrants get the word that it is impossible to get across will such large numbers stop coming?  Explain your answer.