Strand

Social Studies, U.S. History, Latin American History, Anthropology

Objectives

To identify the forces behind the recent immigration patterns, legal and illegal, into the United States. To understand the roles economics and politics play in shaping the immigrants’ experience and the reactions of Americans already living in the United States. To reflect on these experiences by assuming the point of view of a young Dominican American.

Cultural Perspective

Dominicans represent the fourth largest Latino population in the United States. While Dominicans have been coming to the United States since the 19th century, the largest numbers left their home island and came to the United States in the mid-1970s. Dominicans entered the United States with the same hopes and dreams as countless other immigrants: jobs, a supportive community, and greater opportunities for themselves and their families. They also faced many of the same obstacles to realizing those dreams: insufficient proficiency in English, lack of job skills, poverty, and social and racial discrimination. Dominicans, like other Americans, are carefully watching the current debate about the reform of immigration laws. Political and economic issues in question are: status of undocumented immigrants, the path to citizenship, economic opportunity, and access to education and other social benefits, among others. Cultural issues, such as living between two worlds and ethnic identity, are no less important.

Pacing

Two class periods

Materials

• Main Ideas Graphic Organizer
• Generic Writing Rubric

Expository Writing

Students will have the opportunity to write a Persuasive Essay (see Extension below).

Key Questions

• What are some of the factors leading people from the Dominican Republic to immigrate into the United States?
• Are these similar to other immigrant groups seeking entrance into the United States?
• How have Dominican Americans tried to retain the culture and customs of their homeland and how have they assimilated into American society?
• How does the national debate about immigration reform and illegal immigration affect the lives and status of Dominican Americans?

Point of View

Each student, writing from the point of view of a teenage Dominican immigrant to the United States, will write a letter to a relative in the Dominican Republic. Students will research the recent patterns of Latino immigration and the debates taking place in the United States about immigration reform. Have students research the following topics about the experiences of Dominican Americans confronting this political atmosphere by using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles. The written letter should identify the challenges Dominicans face in the United States and should clearly express the point of view of a Dominican American teenager.

Document-based Questions

To start students thinking about the experiences and challenges of immigration and the reaction of people already living in the United States, have them read the excerpt from the recent speech by President Bush. Key questions they should answer are:

• What does President Bush say the main issues about immigration are?
• What is his view about the significance of the history of immigration to this country?
• How might a recent immigrant react to this speech?
• How might that reaction be different if the person is an undocumented immigrant?

President George W. Bush on Immigration Reform, March 15, 2006:

“Good evening. I've asked for a few minutes of your time to discuss a matter of national importance, the reform of America's immigration system. The issue of immigration stirs intense emotions, and in recent weeks, Americans have seen those emotions on display. On the streets of major cities, crowds have rallied in support of those in our country illegally. At our southern border, others have organized to stop illegal immigrants from coming in. Across the country, Americans are trying to reconcile these contrasting images. And in Washington, the debate over immigration reform has reached a time of decision. Tonight I will make it clear where I stand and where I want to lead our country on this vital issue.

We must begin by recognizing the problems with our immigration system. For decades, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders. As a result, many who want to work in our economy have been able to sneak across our border, and millions have stayed.

Once here, illegal immigrants live in the shadows of our society. Many use forged documents to get jobs, and that makes it difficult for employers to verify that the workers they hire are legal. Illegal immigration puts pressure on public schools and hospitals; it strains State and local budgets and brings crime to our communities. These are real problems. Yet we must remember that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are decent people who work hard, support their families, practice their faith, and lead responsible lives. They are a part of American life, but they are beyond the reach and protection of American law.

We're a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We're also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly, and fair.”

Directions

Distribute the Student Activity sheet or have students access it via The Latino American Experience Classroom Resources. Have a student read the speech by President Bush aloud. After they have written answers to the questions, ask them to share some of their responses. Tell the students that they will research three of the following topics in preparation for their letter:

• Latino Diaspora
• Race and Ethnicity
• Population
• Geographic Distribution
• Labor Force Participation Rates
• Undocumented Immigrants
• Resident Alien Status
• Citizenship
• Family
• Assimilation vs. Preservation of Dominican Culture
• Political Activity
• Parades and gatherings
• Community associations
• Sports
• Arts

Remind students that the content of their letter will be shaped by the background of the person from whose perspective they are writing. They should identify the gender, age, geographic circumstance, and social class of their subject. Students should use at least two specific factual details from their research for each topic they address. Tell students to use the Main Ideas Graphic Organizer to take notes. Explain that Dominican American students can write from their own experience, but must also weave in factual details from their reading.

Assessment

Use the General Writing Rubrics to assess students’ performance. Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Extension

Have students use The Latino American Experience to research and write a persuasive essay taking a stand on immigration reform.

(May be copied for classroom use.)