Printer-friendly versionThe current debate around unauthorized immigration has a wide array of dimensions. The language that people use to describe the issue ranges from terms such as “illegal alien” to “undocumented worker.” But what is the effect of such terminology? Does referring to a person as an “alien” or “illegal” impact one’s attitude toward him or her? Does it reflect one’s beliefs? Does it affect the listener? Do these terms truly describe a person, or merely a person’s actions? Can these terms be harmful in any way, or are they “just words”?
Professional Development
- What’s a Teacher to Do? provides several tips for setting up a culturally sensitive classroom.
- Reflections on Equity, Diversity and Schooling is a collection of essays that explore diversity in schools.
- And Still We Speak… Stories of Communities Sustaining and Reclaiming Language and Culture focuses on how immigrants preserve their home cultures while living in a new country.
Glossary
alien [ay-lee-uhn]
(noun)
person coming from another place; foreign
citizen [sit-uh-zuhn]
(noun)
person belonging to a certain country
illegal [il-lee-gull]
(adjective)
going against the law
immigrant [im-uh-grint]
(noun)
person from another place who moves to a new country to live
immigration [im-uh-gray-shun]
(noun)
the act of moving from one place to another to live
unauthorized [un-aw-thur-ized]
(adjective)
something that is not permitted
undocumented [un-dock-uy-ment-ed]
(adjective)
not having the required paperwork
Additional Resources
American Civil Liberties Union
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
MIDDLE GRADES (6-8)
HIGH SCHOOL (9-12)
Activities and embedded assessments address the following standards (McREL 4th edition)
Language Arts
Standard 1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
Standard 5. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
Standard 7: Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts
Standard 8: Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
Civics
Standard 9. Understands the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, beliefs, and principles of American constitutional democracy
Standard 11: Understands the role of diversity in American life and the importance of shared values, political beliefs, and civic beliefs in an increasingly diverse American society
Standard 24. Understands the meaning of citizenship in the United States, and knows the requirements for citizenship and naturalization
Standard 25: Understands issues regarding personal, political, and economic rights
United States History
Standard 31. Understands economic, social, and cultural developments in the contemporary United States
