Have students work in pairs, in small groups, or as a whole class to construct statements of commly held assumptions, perspectives, or beliefs about immigrants and immigration issues. Post the statements. Assess whether statements are inclusive of all comments originally recorded. Sample assumpmtions (inaccurate and accurate) might include: - The United States is being overrun with illegal immigrants.
- Most immigrants come here to find a better economic life.
- Immigrants are flooding the United States.
- This country was built by immigrants.
- Immigrants enrich our culture with diverse art forms.
- Immigrants don't want to learn English.
- Immigrants cause unemployment.
- Immigration is a drain on the U.S. economy.
- Immigrants cause urban problems.
- There are more illegal than legal immigrants.
- Only American Indians are native to these shores.
- Immigrants don't pay taxes.
- U.S. businesses recruit and hire both illegal and legal immigrants
- Immigrants take jobs away from native-born Americans.
- Immigrants come not to work, but to get welfare benefits.
- Hi-tech U.S. companies are unable to find enough highly skilled U.S. citizens to fill specialized jobs.
Questions:
Which assumptions do you think are accurate? Inaccurate? Why?
What information do you need in order to either support or refute these assumptiosn? How important is it that you do so?