DACA debate upended by President’s explicit language
Essential question: What qualities do you think make someone a valuable member of society?
Warning: Today’s story contains explicit language that lawmakers say President Donald Trump used at a meeting while discussing immigration. The text below reflects the latest updates in the story.
Story
- Senators from both parties announced that they have agreed on an immigration deal that would protect DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients and strengthen border security between the U.S. and Mexico. President Donald Trump rejected the compromise, saying the proposal needed more work.
- The policy debate was overshadowed by vulgar remarks made by the President. Lawmakers attending the meeting said that President Trump asked why the U.S. should accept “all these people from shithole countries” in Africa, adding that the U.S should admit more people from places like Norway.
- Trump denied certain aspects of reports on his language, but didn’t comment on his reported use of the specific word “shithole”.
- Trump’s statements were made regarding proposals for ending the current visa lottery program, which stands at 50,000 visas right now. Visas allow people to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country. Currently, 25,000 visas are reserved for people with temporary protected status, which means they escaped natural disasters or extreme violence in their home countries.
Discussion questions
- Essential question: What qualities do you think make someone a valuable member of society?
- Should there be standards for the type of language people use in the White House? Is the standard for the President different than for other people? Explain.
- Should there be different standards for the type of language one uses publicly versus privately? Why or why not?
- What do you know about the role of immigrants in U.S. history, including from Haiti and countries on the continent of Africa?
- Do you think if someone doesn’t speak English they should not be allowed to come to the U.S.? Explain.
- Can you name a famous person or someone you may know who didn’t speak English initially who made a positive contribution to the U.S.?
Extension activity
Read the article about a U.S. soldier and native of Ghana who died after repeatedly racing into a burning New York City apartment building, saving four people. What contributions do you think immigrants make to your community?
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