Inquiry Blog Post #2: Where I Am, and Where I Want to Go. (Describe your inquiry topic (Blog #2))
The inquiry topic I'd like to choose is immigration law. It has always fascinates me how our U.S. policies on immigration tend to ebbs and flow depending on what political party is in charge and what the media is deciding to cover on any particular day. As it may seem on the surface, immigration law is usually what is the variable factor, rather than the actual number or types of people crossing and attempting to cross the U.S. borders illegally. I'm interested in why these laws change, who is legislating them and what is hoped to be gained by controlling the influx of people immigrating to the U.S. Whether these reasons are nefarious or altruistic, it's important to dig down to the details and determine if the main controller of immigration law is indeed found in the number and type of people crossing the border, or the is attention brought to this subject simply because immigration law surrounding becomes more strict and then lenient as a pattern historically in the United States. A good example of this is when the U.S. Government changed immigration law in the 1920's because more immigrants were coming in to take American jobs away and at this time most were considered to be communist. I hope discover what is going on presently, as well as how history has framed our current reality surrounding immigration law.
Hey Connor, that's a real sticky subject, isn't it? I like that this topic has very direct connections to today's world, and possibly the lives of some of your students. It could be challenging to present this topic without stepping on some sort of landmine, but on the other hand I could see it being a great way to simply provide your students with some facts and let them come to their own conclusions.
ReplyDeleteHey Connor, I share some of Will's concerns about stirring up controversy, but I also think this is a huge blindspot for a lot of people. The fact that "immigration law" as we understand it today is a much more recent development than most people think is something that needs to be addressed, and incorporating things like the Chinese Exclusion Act and Ellis Island history would be a great way to show that the way things are today aren't necessarily how they've always been.
ReplyDeleteWho are you? Please chime in with a first name and last initial so that I can give you credit for participating.
DeleteAustin W.
DeleteHi Conor, I could see your students really becoming invested in this topic since this connects to the real world so much! Students may lack knowledge or have misconceptions, but I often find students really love studying issues that actually matter. It's also a beautiful opportunity to teach students to actively listen and respectfully disagree, which is a skill everyone should develop.
ReplyDeleteI am equally excited and nervous to read your inquiry blog! This is definitely a hot button topic right now and can't wait to see what you come up with and where you stand.
ReplyDeleteWho are you? Please chime in with a first name and last initial so that I can give you credit for participating.
DeleteMacKenzie G
DeleteThanks, MacKenzie
DeleteI agree with others that this is a very timely topic, which will provide much to discuss and many primary documents to analyze!
ReplyDelete