Research Paper

B2 12:30-2:30, FA201

As the immigrant population in the United States grows, the debate surrounding undocumented immigration in the United States continues. Write a 10-12 page paper which answers the question “Should undocumented immigrants have a path to citizenship?”

Reference at least one of the sources we have discussed in class pertaining to immigration, the American Dream or second chances. Find and utilize 10 to 15 library researched sources to support your thesis.

Cite examples from these sources to support your thesis using MLA format. Keep your ideas in the forefront and use material from other sources for support. Remember, in each paragraph your ideas should come first and usually last. State the idea, use evidence from other sources to back up your idea, and then interpret the evidence. Present opposing viewpoints which you counter with sources which refute the opposition and bolster your viewpoint.

Be sure to research the scope of the problem of illegal immigration, find out what are the consequences to individuals and society, and suggest solutions that you find that could be utilized to solve the problem of undocumented immigrants and how should we deal with those are already here illegally. What are some of the options proposed, and which do you think will work best and why?

Do not summarize the texts you reference in your paper, rather utilize the evidence to support your ideas. Don’t forget to acknowledge your sources both within the text and in the Annotated Bibliography. Provide a brief introductory phrase acknowledging the author (ex: Immigration activist, John Doe, attributes…).

Be sure to have a clear introduction and thesis. Check to be sure the body of your paper provides a unified development of your theme and that your conclusion is a cogent summary of your thesis and main points.

Papers must be submitted on April 30th during the appropriate final period assigned to your section (see above). All papers must be printed as a hard copy, double spaced, 12 point type, 1 1/2” margins, stapled upper left. Use MLA format (text citations and for the Annotated Bibliography), and proof for factual, spelling, and grammatical errors. No electronic submissions will be accepted.

A separate cover page including the title of the paper, name, class details including section, due date and a separate Annotated Bibliography must be submitted, but not included in the number of pages for the assignment.

Audience: General, college educated. Use a relatively formal style, third person only (no “I,” “we,” “our,” “you,” “your”).

Format for MLA citations, Grammar, Punctuation, etc. as per Hacker and Sommers, A Pocket Style Manual.

Note: For current information about immigration in the United States check the following:

The Brookings Institution Immigration page

The Center for Comparative Immigration Studies

The Office of Immigration Statistics at the US Department of Homeland

Security

National Immigration Forum

The Pew Research Center