Border Crossings. How does immigration affect my daily life and community? Credit: Getty Images

Transcription

1 Border Crossings How does immigration affect my daily life and community? Credit: Getty Images The American people are not anti-immigrant. We are concerned about the lack of coherence in our immigration policy and enforcement. -Chris Cannon, former Utah House Representative GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 1

2 Guest Speakers David Srein, Dept. of Homeland Security David Srein is an officer in the Department of Homeland Security in the Fraud Detection and National Security branch (FDNS). According the official website, the FDNS s primary mission is to determine whether individuals or organizations filing for immigration benefits pose a threat to national security, public safety, or the integrity of the nation s legal immigration system. Mr. Srein was born in Alaska, but grew up in Washington state and served in the Army from 1971 to 1991, during which time he completed degrees in criminal justice and business administration. He has served overseas in South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Mr. Srein has worked with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in both Seattle and San Diego. His work experience includes managing public services for immigrants, fixing broken programs and improving service systems in the Immigration Services, and awarding immigration benefits. He currently works investigating allegations of immigration benefit fraud among other responsibilities related to fraud, national security, and criminal aliens. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Federal Agencies and Immigration Prior to 2001 the Immigration and Naturalization Service, then known as the INS was principally responsible for immigration to the United States and security of our nation s borders. The United States Customs Service was its sister Agency, working side by side with INS Officers at land border, air and seaports as well as overseas and other locations. Following September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security was created and included both the INS and the Customs Service. Eventually the INS and Customs Service were reorganized into several new Agencies: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The two main components of ICE are Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). HSI conducts most criminal investigations for the Department of Homeland Security. The United States Border Patrol is part of CBP. The Department of State (DOS) is also involved in the immigration process as the DOS issues visas for persons to enter the United States lawfully. GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 2

3 The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) The mission of the USCIS is to secure America s promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system. In one typical day, the USCIS: Processes 135,000 security checks Receives 250,000 web hits Handles 41,000 calls at our 800 customer service number Adjudicates 30,000 applications Speaks to 12,000 walk-in customers Issues 7,000 green cards Naturalizes 2,600 new citizens The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is the law that drives the immigration process. It is arguably the most complex set of laws in the United States. It determines: 1) How immigrants can obtain a green card U.S. citizens can file to sponsor spouses, children of any age, parents & siblings. Permanent Residents can file for their spouse, children under 21 or unmarried Relationship to employer willing to sponsor you Qualify as a refugee or asylee Apply through Diversity Lottery 2) Visas: A visa allows someone to apply for admission to U.S., but does NOT guarantee entry, and can be cancelled or revoked The Department of State issues visas in the following categories: o Immigrant visas (IV) are permanent, and can be family-based or employment-based. o Non-Immigrant visas (NIV) are temporary, and are for tourists, students, and specialized workers. GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 3

4 Guest Speakers Cont d Silva Magnet Class, Silva Health Magnet High School, El Paso, TX Silva Magnet is a Health Sciences Magnet High School, located approximately one mile from the Mexican Border, with a population of students representing many areas within El Paso County. We are a Title One School that is primarily Hispanic with significant members from the Asian and African-American communities. The classes participating today in Border Crossings are seniors from Silva Health. Of the 39 in that class, 14 have visited Juarez within the last 6 months, primarily to visit family, but also to pick up people from the airport or keep a Dentist Appointment. Note that dental care is much less expensive in Mexico, and that Mexican Dentists provide transportation for U.S. citizens. Approximately 1/3 has never been to Juarez and do not care if they ever do. As you might assume, we have first-hand knowledge of border violence. However, both teachers and students see an improvement in safety, but not enough to allow the free flow of travel that we used to be able to enjoy. It is amazing that with all that has happened in our sister city, we feel safe in El Paso. Our lives continue normally. Certainly, there has been some spillover, e.g., an El Paso citizen (a drug trafficker) being kidnapped and killed, and bullets from a gang fight travelling across the border and hitting city hall in downtown El Paso. Yet, El Paso has been named one of the safest cities in the U.S. GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 4

5 VIDEOCONFERENCE (VC) OUTLINE: The following is the IVC format. Please refrain from asking your question until your school is called upon to speak. Border Crossings DAY 1 VIDEOCONFERENCE DATES & LOCATIONS DAY 1: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Broadcast Start Time: Dial-in Time: Duration: Interactive Locations: 11:00 AM EST 10:30 AM EST 60 minutes max 1) Passaic Valley HS- Little Falls, NJ 2) St. Mary s Episcopal School- Memphis, TN 3) South Plantation HS- Plantation, FL 4) Tallwood HS- Virginia Beach, VA 5) Silva Health Magnet- El Paso, TX 6) David Srein- Seattle, Washington 7) Global Nomads Group New York, NY DAY 1: I. Opening Remarks (2-3 minutes) GNG Facilitator opens the videoconference and thanks all participants and introduces all of the interactive sites. Facilitator also gives a general breakdown of the conference and reminds students about the basic rules of videoconferencing. II. III. An Introduction to our Guest Speaker (3-5 minutes) GNG Facilitator will open up the discussion with a brief introduction of David Srein, who will discuss his work with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the Silva Magnet High School class who will briefly introduce themselves and their experience being so close to the U.S./Mexico border. Discussion with Guest Speakers (45-50 minutes) GNG Moderator facilitates discussion as students ask questions to the guest speakers. The following are guiding questions- David Srein How is immigration from Mexico today different from previous eras of immigration to the US? In your opinion, what are the most important costs and benefits of immigration to the US? GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 5

6 What are the major obstacles to federal immigration reform and why is it important to the future of the US? Are state or local laws such as SB 1070 an effective way to address illegal immigration? Why or why not? Do you think legislation like the DREAM Act would benefit immigrants and/or US citizens? Why or why not? Who should be responsible for ending the cycle of violence and corruption around the US Mexico border? What are some difficult decisions you have had to make in your work for FDNS? Silva Health Magnet What is it like being so close to the border? How does this affect your daily life? What are some of the challenges that you or your classmates face either in your personal lives and/or your school life? Do you feel your perspectives are different from your peers in other regions because of your close proximity and experiences with immigration? What advice do you have for students like us who do have the experiences you do? Obama recently put forth new legislation that would grant work permits to those who ve entered into the country when they were 16 or below and have lived in the U.S. for more than 5 years. Do you feel this is a shortterm answer to a long-term problem? IV. Conclusion (1-2 minutes) GNG Facilitator thanks all students and teachers for participating and reminds them to prepare for Day 2 where they will showcase their Project Based Learning Activity. GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 6

7 Border Crossings DAY 2 VIDEOCONFERENCE DATES & LOCATIONS DAY 2: Thursday, December 13, 2012 Broadcast Start Time: Dial-in Time: Duration: Interactive Locations: 11:00 AM EST 10:30 AM EST 60 minutes max 1. Passaic Valley HS- Little Falls, NJ 2. St. Mary s Episcopal School- Memphis, TN 3. South Plantation HS- Plantation, FL 4. Tallwood HS- Virginia Beach, VA 5. Global Nomads Group New York, NY DAY 2: I. Opening Remarks (2-3 minutes) GNG Moderator opens the videoconference and thanks all participants and reintroduces all of the interactive sites. GNG Facilitator will kick off the videoconference with a question. II. III. Project Showcase (10-15 minutes) Students present and discuss their project based learning activity (Step 3 of the curriculum). Their peers will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. Discussion with Peers (30-40 minutes) GNG Moderator facilitates discussion as students ask questions to their peers. The following are guiding questions- What immigration issues do you think are particularly important for young Americans to stay informed and active about? What was the most surprising thing you learned in the discussion with David Srein? Why did you find it surprising? How does immigration directly affect you and your community? How would you vote on legislation like the DREAM Act and why? Has what you ve learned changed the way you think about American citizenship? IV. Conclusion (2-3 minutes) Moderator thanks all students and teachers for participating. GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 7

8 PREPARING FOR THE VIDEOCONFERENCE On Day 1, students will have the opportunity to learn more from our guest speaker, Little Hawk. Please prepare three questions you would like to ask him. On Day 2, students will showcase their projects from STEP 3 and engage in a discussion amongst their peers. Sample questions can be found below. DAY 1: GUEST SPEAKER (S) 1) 2) 3) DAY 2: PEER-to-PEER DIALOGUE/ ACTIVITY SHOWCASE 1) 2) 3) GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 8

9 VIDEOCONFERENCING TIPS FOR PARTICIPANTS: When beginning to speak or pose a question, state your name and school. Speak loudly, slowly and clearly into the microphone. Express your personality but avoid using slang and be concise whenever possible. Remember to mute the microphone when you are finished speaking. Please say Thank you when you conclude your statements or questions. Look into the camera when speaking. Use slow, smooth, minimal gestures. Try to avoid wearing very bright colors during the videoconference as this can have a negative impact on the quality of the image. Ask thoughtful questions and respond to all answers with respect. Express your opinions in a positive manner. Avoid asking off-topic or inappropriate questions. Stick to the subject. Due to the technological constraints of videoconferencing, please understand only one person can speak at a time. Be sure to wait for the delay in audio so that you avoid interrupting others. Do not speak over others; you will be called to present or respond to a question. Pay close attention to the speakers and the topic at hand. Use your facial expressions and nod or smile to express interest, attentiveness and participation. Have paper and pencil/pen available to jot down notes or ideas so that you may comment on them when it is your turn. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION! J FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND YOU TUBE FOR THE LASTEST UPDATES! GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP 9