What Is Our Obligation To Asylum Seekers?
Subject
- Civics & Citizenship
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12Language
English — USPublished
Updated
Overview
About This Mini-Lesson
In the summer and fall of 2021, migration across the US-Mexico border increased after a period of very low migration during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. In recent years, many migrants crossing the US-Mexico border have petitioned for asylum in the United States, asking for protection from persecution in their home countries.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, first the Trump administration and then the Biden administration have used a provision known as Title 42—which allows federal health officials to prevent people from entering the country during a public health emergency—to immediately expel a large proportion of migrants attempting to enter the United States. In September 2021, thousands of migrants were deported to Haiti under this policy. Title 42 has sparked controversy because it allows the US government to deport migrants before they have a chance to petition for asylum.
This mini-lesson helps students understand how the asylum process works in the United States and also consider the question: Who has an obligation to help asylum seekers?
Preparing to Teach
A Note to Teachers
Before you teach this mini-lesson, please review the following guidance to tailor this lesson to your students’ contexts and needs.