Immigration Case Study – Immigration from El Salvador
This case study focuses on El Salvador as we have a school to school relationship with a school in Nueva Trinidad, El Salvador. El Salvador is also a good example of the forces behind the United States recent policies to immigrants. And, with a new presidential administration threatening to deport all undocumented people in the US, the effect on Salvadoreans will mimic the effect on all.
You should use the provided readings, and others if you desire, to find:
1. Data – Who is allowed in the US and for what reasons. How many Salvadoreans are here illegally? What kind of work do Salvadoreans do in the U.S.? What is the standard of living in El Salvador? What is the political situation in El Salvador now? What was it in the 1980’s?
2. Experiences – find out what the experiences of people are here both legally and illegally. How do people get here?
3. How do the rules around El Salvador immigration differ from those from Cuba? From those from China? From those from England? What reasons are given for the different laws? What do the Salvadoreans say about this?
3. What will be the impact of proposed new federal laws by the Trump administration? How will it affect children born here of undocumented parents? How will it affect those who are working now under DACA? How would it affect the economy of El Salvador?
4. Find out the perspectives (opinions) of different lawmakers involved in writing these laws. Who is for it and why? Who is against it and why? What do they believe about voting and why?
5. Find public opinion information – find surveys from several sources to show how different groups of people see the proposed immigration laws.
6. Find out who gains or benefits from Immigration, both legal and illegal.
7. How did US immigration policies come to exist? How have the policies changed over the years? What is the history?
To do this work, you will need to apply some research skills.
• Find useful, credible sources. Verify information from more than one source – especially when you are collecting data.
• Separate facts and opinions
• Offer evidence to support claims you make.
• Cite your sources for all the information you present.
• Get the timeline right… when did things happen? When did people say things?
Check the dates of all sources carefully. Once you collect all this information, share with your teammates and discuss what you think this all means. Based on this information you collect, what recommendations would you make? Then, create a display that includes the data you found, a sample of the experiences, the impacts, the opinions, the people who benefit and include a timeline of how these laws came to exist and what is happening with them now?