What portion of America’s current population is foreign-born?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
Based on the data from the top visual above, what portion of the total U.S. population was foreign born in 1980, and what portion of the U.S. population is foreign born now?
What year was the highest-ever portion of the American population born overseas?
Describe the trend since 1980 in the portion of the American population that is foreign-born?
According to the second visual above, between 2020-2023 how many people moved to the U.S.?
In the study of migration, push factors are those that encourage a population to leave its home, e.g., poverty, war. List two major push factors behind this recent trend in immigration to the U.S.
In the study of migration pull factors are those that draw a population to another area or place, e.g., jobs, safety. Identify two major pull factors behind the recent trend in immigration to the U.S.
Since 1980 do you think pull factors or push factors have been more responsible for U.S. immigration?
Make a claim about whether the trends described in the visual above are good for America.
How much do you think recent immigration was responsible for Trump’s victory in 2016 and again in 2024?
President Trump says that on day one of his administration he will deport millions. In a. recent interview with Kristen Welker, moderator of NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Trump said he plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and try to end birthright citizenship.” How will Trump’s mass deportation plans impact the United States economically and culturally?
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Contact the White House and let the President know your thoughts about immigration in the U.S.
Get Creative
I created the image of the Statue of Liberty 2.0 below. The following poem is inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty. You could also rewrite The New Collossus for 2024. See what you and AI can come up with and share it with your class.
The New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Learning Extension*
Check out this super-cool interactive feature from the Pew Research Center to watch immigration change the United States over time.
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