How should we handle the current immigration issue? Should the U.S. create a more open borders policy to further enrich the diversity of our culture? Should a type of workers program (like the one proposed by then President Bush in 2004) be adopted? OR should the U.S. invest more money into border security (personnel, infrastructure, and technology)? What about all of the undocumented workers already here? Should companies who hire undocumented workers be fined? Should our immigration policy strive to keep families together? Write an argumentative essay that addresses a specific issue/problem in US immigration policy. You will only focus on one section of immigration reform in order to receive credit. For more information on the topic you may check out the following links: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/immigration https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/ Essay Structure: Introduction (include an explicit thesis statement as last sentence of intro), 3 Main Ideas, Conclusion. POV: 3rd person What to Avoid Here are some major things to avoid in your research essay: Relying too heavily on sources. Over using source material often leads to plagiarism and an “N/C” (no credit). Thus, you should never simply summarize reports, fact sheets, or any other form of source material. And, obviously, you should never fail to provide quotation marks when necessary. ONLY use source material for direct quotes and paraphrases when they support your own opinions or when you need them for refutation. Using language from political sources websites, etc. Never simply copy and paste the language used in professional sources. This is especially important with this topic as most of your sources will be using political jargon and technical language. Utilizing this language as your own will result in a no credit. Using language from the essay assignment. Never simply copy and paste the language used in the actual assignment for any part of your essay. Writing about more than one section of immigration reform. The requirement is to choose only one section in order to provide an in-depth and specific analysis. Providing a general thesis statement with an unclear stance. Repeating ideas throughout the essay. Do not simply rehash the same idea throughout the entirety of the essay. Providing too general of a title. Ex. Immigration Reform. Use a title that is specific and ties in directly to your thesis. Using informal/slangy language. You must use formal diction throughout the entirety of the essay. Writing in 1st person. Ex: I think, I believe, In my opinion, etc.
