Immigration Debate
Abstract:
Individual rights, whether natural, legal, or civil, in the contemporary mind, are considered the benchmark of the American democracy. As we discussed, they create and demonstrate the majority of our principles and ideals. However, the degree to which these have been upheld, especially for minority groups (not just race based) is very questionable. There has been times in our history where undoubtly rights have been oppressed for discramatory reasons; yet, there have been times where our rights were suspended for the good of the nation. Despite the justification, is there ever a moment in which it is reasonable for government to suspend the constitutional rights of Americans?
Learning Target:
The learners will evaluate the extent to which our rights have been upheld or oppressed by government as well as the justifications and constitutional arguments used to uphold or restrict the rights. The learner will analyze and evaluate the principles inherent in the discussion of the rights of Americans. The learner will use the investigation to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills. The learner will use the investigation to improve their research abilities.
CE.C&G.1.5
Evaluate the fundamental principles of American politics in terms of the extent to which they have been used effectively to maintain constitutional democracy in the United States (e.g., rule of law, limited government, democracy, consent of the governed, etc.).
CE.C&G.2.6
Evaluate the authority federal, state and local governments have over individuals’ rights and privileges
(e.g., Bill of Rights, Delegated Powers, Reserved Powers, Concurrent Powers, Pardons, Writ of habeas corpus, Judicial Process, states’ rights, Patriot Act).
CE.C&G.2.7
Analyze contemporary issues and governmental responses at the local, state, and national levels in terms of how they promote the public interest and/or general welfare (e.g., taxes, immigration, naturalization, civil rights, economic development, annexation, redistricting, zoning, national security, health care, etc.).

Timeline:
Four Days-30 minutes a day for the first three days; whole day for the fifth day.
Procedure:
The class will be split into two main groups. Each group will then be split into two subgroups. The subgroups will debate each other.
Day One: Prerequisite research- Four Corners-students respond to specific statements: Strongly Agree,
Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree; students have two minutes to discuss their thoughts, then each corner reports out, repeat for all five statements. Assign Groups
Day Two: Research; only use assigned websites; research should be centered on the statements
Day Three: Research
Day Four: Finish Research; plan and assign roles
Day Five: Finish any planning; debate; turn in all required materials; report out and take assessments
Rules:
1. Each student must research and cite their work on a group bibliography
2. Each student must speak on at least one debate statement.
3. Each group must have a 30 second opening.
4. Each group must be able to rebuttal their opponents at least once for each statement
5. Each rebuttal must be at least 30 seconds.
6. Each group must speak for at least one minute for each of the statements (not including the rebuttal).
7. Students must dress professional for the debate.
8. Each group must maintain and turn in debate notes.
9. Each group must have at least two historical references that connect to two debate statements.
10. In the closing statement, each group must offer a reform solution.

1. Prerequisite Research: Current debates over the rights of citizens versus the power of government over those rights.
Sources you can use: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_rights_do_Illegal_Immigrants_have?#slide=1 http://gaymarriage.procon.org/ http://www.npr.org/news/specials/patriotact/patriotactprovisions.html
1.
Complete the notes below
What is the main controversy regarding individual rights today?
Arguments in support
Arguments against
What has this issue been like throughout history?
Historical
Examples:
Based on your research what are your thoughts now?
2. Four Corners: React to the following statements:
Debate Statements a. There is never a reason for government to limit the rights of Americans b. If our security is threatened, it is appropriate for government to limit our rights in order to protect us.

c. The amendments have been used effectively to extend and uphold our rights as
Americans. d. Immigrants, whether legal or illegal, should receive equal treatment under the law and have the same rights applied. e. The amendments have not always been upheld or extended to all equally.
3. In-depth research: Within your group, begin further research in order to master the topic. Focus your research around the debate statements. Use only approved website; if you want to use a website outside of the list make sure you check it with me. Make sure you create a bibliography for all resources used.
4. Create the debate notes: maintain a record of your work and final debate on the cards handed out to turn in.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
6. Debate
Approved Websites:
ACLU: Immigrants and Rights https://www.aclu.org/human-rights/immigrants-rights https://www.aclu.org/blog/immigrants-rights/judge-rules-immigrants-long-term-lock-have-rights
Immigrants Do Not Have Rights: http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2012/12/court-illegal-aliens-dont-have-2nd-amendment-rights/ http://www.csmonitor.com/1982/0127/012728.html
Patriot Act Preserves Civil Liberties: http://www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm
Patriot Act Oppresses Civil Liberties:

http://dc.cod.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=essai
Historical Cases: http://www.ushistory.org/us/51e.asp
http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/suic/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=
&prodId=SUIC&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Reference&l imiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&source=&sortBy=&displayGroups=&action=e&catId=&act ivityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ2104241252&userGroupName=clea26856&jsid=a5535648
3a62a3d5ee4b9954598b9a06 http://hnn.us/article/19113 http://www.heritage.org/research/lecture/abraham-lincoln-and-civil-liberties-in-wartime
14 th Amendment and Civil Rights Movement http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/14thamendment.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_events_plessy.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/rights/landmark_brown.html
http://www.history.com/topics/civil-rights-movement
Equal Rights Amendment: http://www.equalrightsamendment.org/
Pro Gay Marriage: http://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/a-right-to-marry-same-sex-marriage-and-constitutional-law
Anti-Gay Marriage http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/12/why_gay_marriage_is_not_a_right.html