Crossing the Wire

Use this activity to engage all types of learners while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Immigration Solutions”

In this activity, students will develop strategies to resolve immigration problems along the US-Mexican border.

Victor is a good person who seeks to build a new life in the United States. Throughout the novel, several situations present problems for US and Mexican citizens because of the border crisis. For example, Mexican citizens are forced to be drug mules to obtain passage across the border, polleros and coyotes take advantage of Mexican citizens by charging high prices, and immigrants are often forced to endure inhumane conditions.

Consider different aspects of the border crisis and select one problem to develop a strategy to encourage change for the immigrants attempting to enter the United States. Create an infographic describing the problem immigrants face, the needs of immigrants, and solutions to resolve the problem.

• Draw on Victor’s experience to describe the problems undocumented immigrants encounter near the border.
• Research possible solutions to those problems.
• Identify the needs of undocumented immigrants.
• Write clear and concise solutions to the problems you have identified.

Share your infographic with peers emphasizing the problem, the need, and the solution. Explain how Victor’s journey inspired you to develop a solution to the problems you identified.

Teaching Suggestion: Consider allowing students to discuss possible problems and solutions for immigration in small groups. It could be helpful to coach students about being mindful of their other group members when discussing the problems and solutions, and that many students may have personal experiences with immigration. Students may find it beneficial to narrow their problem to one aspect of the border crisis and one possible solution that may assist with the problem but not necessarily solve it. Consider providing students with additional parameters on the number of images and statements that should be included in their infographic.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require an additional challenge may find it beneficial to research and analyze the immigration debate in the United States, addressing concerns for immigrants and citizens who live in border communities. Students can use this additional research to create an infographic based on issues Congress has addressed. As an added step, students may wish to write to members of Congress urging them to address their problem with their proposed solution.