Each year thousands of people migrate into this country in search of the American dream. Many politicians, public commentators, critics, and media organizations have greatly influenced Americans’ understanding of immigration and the role that immigrants play in U.S. society. Since international migration shows no signs of slowing down the causes and consequences of immigration will be a critical topic for the 21st century.

In the program I offered in 2018 we provided an historical context to current debates over immigration reform, integration, and citizenship. We followed a chronological overview of US immigration history and thematic issues in political discourse today such as xenophobia, deportation policy, and border policing.  Students studied to develop and conduct surveys and research topics of interests and facilitate discussions of current issues that contribute to the national debate as well as the current view among politicians and Washington state legislators. Students were able to engage with community-based organizations providing services to immigrant populations to include mental health and social services, housing, food, educational and language services. Students were asked to critically analyze both sides of the current immigration debate, develop a broad-based understanding of the history of American immigration, develop research skills to support critical arguments for and against immigration. Students were able to develop an understanding of the essential elements of various immigration reform efforts and surveying and community organizing skills.

We used “The Soul of America: The battle for our Better Angels“, and many online resources available through our program page to conduct our studies.

Please contact Lin if you are interested in future study opportunities.