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Student Civic Challenge

Civic Issue: According to the National Immigration Forum “Although historically the U.S. has resettled more refugees than any other country, its resettlement program has not kept up with the increase of the global refugee population that has increased by about 50 percent over the past five years. In FY 2021, the U.S. refugee limit was the lowest it has been since the passage of the Refugee Act of 1980.”

Connection to the Re-Imagining Migration Learning Arc:

The Journey:

Why do people leave their homes?

What are our responsibilities toward people on the move with an ambiguous status? 

What are the public stories of migration and how can people recognize and respond to the struggles of refugees in our country?

Turning to Action

How might we use our voice and spheres of influence to create and sustain inclusive and welcoming communities?

What can citizens do to help refugees during their adjustment period?

Suggested Discussion/Activities:

Why would people need to flee their own homes and their country?

Read the international agreements designed to protect refugees and asylum seekers and consider, what responsibilities do other nations have in ensuring the safety of refugees?

Examine the process of how refugees and the asylum process. How does this counter the myth that refugees and asylum seekers are entering the country without being vetted? 

Compare statistics between the United States and other nations on the number of refugees taken in during the past 4 years. Consider using Project Zero’s See-Think-Feel-Wonder as a way to facilitate discussion.

Create an action research outline on how you can help assist refugees in your own town or help an organization. Consider Our Collection of Take Action thinking routine to kick off student projects..

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