Shifting Ideas of Citizenship: Citizenship Status and American Identity

What does it mean to be an American? And, what role does citizenship status play?

Author and former Wall Street Executive Julissa Arce describes her evolving understanding of American identity and describes the way her former undocumented status impacted her understanding of herself and the country.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to be an American? What role does citizenship status play in that answer?

Consider using the Connect-Extend-Challenge Project Zero thinking-routine to discuss the video:

  • How does Julissa’s story connect with what you already think about what it means to be an American?
  • How does it extend your thinking about what it means to be an American?
  • How does it challenge your thinking about what it means to be an American?