Immigration issues

Describes under what conditions people become refugees, what it is like to live as a refugee, and the changing United States practices of granting asylum or refugee status.

"Birthright citizenship has become an integral part of the larger immigration debate because it is perceived by some as a policy ripe for abuse, as well as a potential threat to American society and culture. The origins of American birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment are explored, along with the debate about the role it plays in illegal immigration, the phenomenon of birth tourism, and the controversy over maintaining or restricting current policy"--Provided by the publisher.

"The nation remains divided on the issue of detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants. Most Americans recognize there are no easy solutions to the problem. The majority of migrants today are not Mexicans but families from Central America. Most request asylum at the border, seeking to escape poverty and violence in their own countries. This explosion has raised many issues related to detention and deportation, including family separations at the border, overcrowding and unhealthy conditions at detention centers, and the rise of sanctuary cities. Throughout this crisis, there is a struggle to balance enforcement with protection of immigrant rights"--Provided by publisher.

"The establishment of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was enacted in 2012 by President Barack Obama via executive order. It was created to shield eligible undocumented young people from the threat of deportation for a two-year renewable period. It also allows them obtain a social security number and a driver's license, work legally, and qualify for in-state college tuition in their state of residence. It does not, however, offer participants a path to citizenship. Despite the help DACA has given Dreamers, because the program was established via executive order rather than legislative action, some Americans believe it is unconstitutional"--.

Describes the challenges of securing the U.S.-Mexico border, covering the variety of tactics that attempt to keep people from reaching United States soil including a border wall.