Immigration and Citizenship: Presentation
This week, we focus on the controversial topic of immigration and citizenship. As you learned there have been several distinct waves of immigration in U.S. history, beginning with the conquest of Native Americans by Europeans. From 1840 to 1860, 4 million immigrants entered the United States mainly from northwestern Europe, followed by another 25 million from 1880 to 1920. The “newest” immigrants are those arriving in the United States after 1960, some 24 million mainly from Latin America and Asia. For this assignment, students will demonstrate and expand their knowledge and understanding on immigration and citizenship.
Within the presentation, students will answer the following questions:
· What is meant by immigration and citizenship? What is the difference between the two?
· List three reasons why people immigrate/migrate to the United States. Please be specific.
· Identify and discuss two United States immigration laws.
· Explain how immigration has at least 3 positive impacts on the United States.
· Explain how immigration has at least 3 negative impacts on the United States.
· Discuss sociological views on illegal immigration. Apply three social concepts and one social theory. Sociological theories include functionalism, conflict theory, feminist theory, symbolic interactionism, and others as mentioned in our readings and materials.
· Discuss three ways to improve legal immigration.
Sample Answer
What is meant by immigration and citizenship? What is the difference between the two?
- Immigration is the process of leaving one country or region to settle in another.
- Citizenship is the membership in a political society.
The main difference between immigration and citizenship is that immigration is a process, while citizenship is a status. Immigrants are people who have moved to a new country, but they may not yet be citizens. Citizens are people who have full legal rights and responsibilities in a country.
Three reasons why people immigrate/migrate to the United States:
- Economic opportunity: Many people immigrate to the United States in search of better economic opportunities. The United States has a strong economy and a high standard of living.