BASIC COURSE INFORMATION

As an online course, the writing that we do in English 305 is substantially
different from a face to face course. As such, it is imperative that you
understand the course style from the start. Nearly all of your work in this
course will be posted on the course blog. EACH WEEK YOU WILL HAVE THREE BLOG
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. A BLOG ENTRY,
2. A READING, AND
3. A WRITING ABOUT
THE READING.

Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by
the Friday (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. You have all week each week to complete the reading and writing for that week, but there are no late assignments accepted, so be sure to be disciplined about the
work from the start.
Let me re-state that point; if you do the assigned
work before or during the week it is due, you will receive full credit. If you do the work after the Friday of the week it is assigned, you will get zero credit for that week.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

WEEK SIX WRITING ABOUT WHAT YOU READ:

What questions do you have for the author? The questions might be about content or form or anything that comes to mind. After we amass a few, I’ll send the author the link and maybe he can respond.
In addition, what other thoughts did you have as you read this piece?
Posted by at

40 comments:

  1. anabfinnMay 8, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    This all too common story had me in tears. I've worked with children who have been brought over as small children to America. Most of them would be severly traumatized returning to a country that they do not remember. It seems unfair to punish these now adults for something that they did not choose. Obviously, individuals come here out of desperation. Their country's conditions are so incredibly severe that mothers and fathers are willing to risk the lives of their children to escape them. So my question to the author is does he feel the United States has a responsibility to help improve the desperate conditions that plague our impoverished neighbors?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy RoomsburgMay 8, 2012 at 7:24 PM

      I agree. It seems unfair to punish someone for the acts of their parents. The American government needs to adopt a policy that does not condemn people for the acts of their parents

      Delete
    2. Rebekah MillerMay 11, 2012 at 8:52 PM

      That is where the debate is the most hairy.

      Delete
  2. Amy RoomsburgMay 8, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amy RoomsburgMay 8, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    There are many unfortunate realities as far as immigration policy is concerned. One of those being that when the US or State authorities capture an illegal immigrant that has committed a serious offense, ie murder, rape, child abuse, etc, we send them back to their country of origin regardless of whether they were brought as a child or came to the US by themselves illegally. Is it fair to send a foreign national back to his or her country of origin when the crimes they have committed may be attributed to their life experiences here in the US? I am thinking primarily of gangs in the US. We send to other countries those who are product of life in the US. Is it fair to the countries of origin? Are we exporting our problems instead of addressing them? These questions are just general and I am merely curious what the opinion of the author or others would be. I am also curious how Pedro’s residency status was ultimately resolved. Was he naturalized?

    It seems there is a gap in the immigration law in terms of children who are foreign born, but their parents immigrate into the country illegally. A child who is brought into the US under these terms and is raised here is no less a product of America than any other child; however, there are real issues of empathy and fairness as it concerns those who immigrated legally and those who are born within American borders. I wonder if there can be any way to address the fairness issue without a group feeling slighted. I think the story is sad and while it does have a happy ending, there is so much more to the issue of immigration than just what is written in the article. If policy issues could be written through a vale of ignorance then perhaps we could have immigration policy that would be fairer than the current policies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. esamMay 8, 2012 at 10:14 PM

      I strongly agree with your opinions regarding the current immigration policies especially the one that regulates illegal immigrants’ issues. It is not fair at all to send back children or adults to their country of origin because their parents illegally came to the states. It is not either fair for the countries of origin to only get back the criminals while they loss the successful ones. I am also looking for an answer for the question you’ve asked in the first paragraph, are we exporting our problems instead of addressing and solving them?

      Delete
    2. Jocelyn BarahonMay 11, 2012 at 9:24 AM

      I truly believe that the current immigration process is very unfair because now its harder to get papers or residency for Latin immigrants. Also, I hate how they come to their houses with a swat team like they're a dangerous criminal when theyre trying to attain them into custody.

      Delete
  4. esamMay 8, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. esamMay 8, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    The current immigration policies especially the one that regulates illegal immigrants’ issues must be reformed. It is not fair for children or adults to be shipped back to their country of origin, because their parents had not legally come to the states, nor fair to those countries to only get back the criminals while they loss the successful ones. It is really sad story and Pedro and his family have gone through miserable sufferings. Although his case was settled down successfully, its only one case among hundreds others did not see the light. These unlucky cases were sadly dismissed to their countries of origin, which they know nothing about it, and left behind many demolished families.
    I have many questions to ask the author. As the most advanced country in the world, can’t we control our borders? Or are they intentionally loosened so we have enough labor to perform the jobs we do not feel doing it, such as landscaping, housekeeping and many others? If we really do not need those illegal immigrants, why do we allow their kids to attend schools and benefit of most of the available government services?
    Instead of trying to find ways and policies to ship illegal immigrants back to their countries, we should first do our best to accommodate them and find solutions to their situations. For the majority, if not all, of illegal immigrants are good people and would be very successful if they’re given the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DriveraMay 9, 2012 at 10:40 AM

      You bring up very good questions. It is very interesting to think of what you mentioned about being the most powerful country and not being able to eliminate or significantly reduce the number of illegal immigrants that are coming into our country. On another note, you are also right that most illegal immigrants that are here are very nice and hard working individuals. We really must find solutions for these types of individuals that can really contribute to our society in a positive way.

      Delete
    2. Daniel DoanMay 10, 2012 at 1:00 AM

      "Instead of trying to find ways and policies to ship illegal immigrants back to their countries, we should first do our best to accommodate them and find solutions to their situations."

      I agree with this wholeheartedly. Trying to find solutions to their situations instead of simply just booting them out of the country would definitely make an impact on how the government handles issues like these that keep cropping up. Given the right circumstances, I believe that good can come out of having lighter penalties for illegal immigration.

      Delete
    3. smanueleMay 11, 2012 at 9:04 AM

      "For the majority, if not all, of illegal immigrants are good people and would be very successful if they’re given the opportunity."
      This is very true, and they are usually the hardest working. They appreciate their right to live here and will work as hard as necessary to live a better life free from the opression they have to live with in their home countries.

      Delete
  6. AM26May 9, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    The question I have for the author is what made him decide to title it “Could he be a good American?” I would like to know because the title can go both ways. The title can go in a negative or positive direction because as the readers read it, you keep that question in the back of your mind. Can this person having these illegal immigrant issues be a good American or not? To me it’s sad to know that this is a common story and there are other people that have gone through this issue of immigration. I agree with what my fellow classmates are stating that people that come here to the United States in a young age, shouldn’t be punish because it’s not like they chose to come here they were brought by their parents. My point of view is that if they were here since a young age they learned already all the customs and everything else a U.S born citizen learns. The United States is the place where people can start over and improve their lives for the best, and many of the illegal immigrants came to give their children the opportunity to have the American dream. My other question to the author is how does he feel about the immigration policy also what’s his opinion on the fact that even though Pedro was married to a legal resident his residency could’ve come if he went back to his country but that was a chance he would have to take or would’ve he done what Pedro did and waited for the Clinton-era immigration law?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aramirez44May 11, 2012 at 4:05 AM

      I would also like to know why he titled the article "Could he be a good American?" I also agree with you and everyone else that children of immigrants should not be punished for choices they did not make.

      Delete
    2. ChristeenMay 11, 2012 at 11:52 PM

      I agree! The author titled it as though he were not an American already... For someone who has little to no memories of his life before he came to this country, and probably does not exhibit any "Guatemalan Pride," he probably considers himself to be an American already.

      Delete
  7. DriveraMay 9, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    So many illegal immigrants deal with similar stories every day. It is very unfortunate that many, like Pedro, have to deal with such terrible circumstances. Although Pedro’s story ended on a good note, the truth is that not everyone has a happy ending like he did. The illegal immigration topic is one that is very controversial. Just like another other issue, there are always two sides to the argument. Some think that people who are illegally in the United States should be deported back to their original country, no matter what. On the other hand, others feel completely different about the issue. Although, I think these individuals should be given a chance, there are others who think otherwise. Several issues regarding the immigration policy must be addressed, despite these opposing opinions. Perhaps the most important issue that must be mentioned in this case is the problem of sending individuals who were born in United States or have lived here their entire lives back to the countries from which their parents originally came from. Like Pedro, some children are smuggled over the border by their parents and therefore live their entire lives in the United States. Technically, Pedro was here legally on work visas and then later attempted to become a resident but was denied because of the mistakes he had previously made. If you know people that are or have been in similar situations then you know how long and difficult the process is for gaining residency.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Enalisa CruzMay 9, 2012 at 1:02 PM

      Drivera, I agree with you. Pedro's story ended great but some don't get as lucky as him. And there is two sides to every argument, and many people are very open to how they feel and what they believe when it comes to immigration. Great post!

      Delete
    2. LilianaLunaMay 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM

      I agree with you too! I also think that there are two sides to every argument. I also understand that because of one individual who is careless, the rest can be unfairly labeled the same. I believe in change and on giving people second changes. I do understand that not everyone takes life matters seriously. It is sad to know that Pedro’s story is only one of many others that are experiencing them at this very moment.

      Delete
    3. LilianaLunaMay 11, 2012 at 2:01 PM

      I agree with you too! I also think that there are two sides to every argument. I also understand that because of one individual who is careless, the rest can be unfairly labeled the same. I believe in change and on giving people second changes. I do understand that not everyone takes life matters seriously. It is sad to know that Pedro’s story is only one of many others that are experiencing them at this very moment.

      Delete
  8. Enalisa CruzMay 9, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    This author captured a very common story, and he did a great job writing and illustrating it in such great detail. This story is very common, as sad as it is this happens everywhere. I have family members who are going through the same thing, but they weren’t as lucky as Pedro. Pedro was able to go back with his family, while many don’t. These families have it very harsh, and no one could do anything when the judge rejects their entrance to our country. Sometimes people flee over here for the wrong reasons, and that messes up all chances to those who are here for work and a better living for their family. I send my heart to those who are living this situation. I could not imagine seeing my husband or my love one leave my daughter and my side. This story reminds me how blessed my family and I are!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Daniel DoanMay 10, 2012 at 12:40 AM

    This tale of misfortune has really hit home, as I know of a person who shares a similar story. Being deported is not fun, and when it happens to someone you know, it is even worse. The author's message is clear, and it is to take note of the incredible hardships that these people are facing. The immigration policy in the United States seems pretty harsh, but it is one of the policies that help protect our borders. However, the devastating consequences of personal tragedy is not to be dismissed lightly. I feel that there is a need for immigration policy reform, as the current policy that we have in place seems to punish immigrants a little too harshly. My question to the author is: What steps should the citizens of the United States take in order to start this push for reform?

    ReplyDelete
  10. zieglerMay 10, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    I found this piece to be very entertaining! I became involved with the characters and could visualize everything that was taking place, because it is so full of details. What happened to Pedro's mother? Is she in a mental hospital in Mexico? Is this story unique or are there a lot of immigrants being granted citizenry through this process? Why wasn't he able to gain citizenship through any other means? This story also could have made for a good opportunity to describe the process of trying to become a citizen and how difficult it can be.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anthony RichardsonMay 10, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    I became very involved in this story and I do feel for Pedro and his family. I also don't understand why the Government didn't allow Pedro to complete the steps necessary to gain his proper US citizenship. I also believe the judge was more than fair in granting Pedro the right to stay in the country, given the different things he had on his record, whether malicious or not, he was lucky and very blessed to be able to stay with his family. My only question, just as the person above asked, Why wasn't Pedro able to gain citizenship through any other means? I have no problem with immigration, even my Mom and her family immigrated to the United States, but why don't more people take the necessary steps in gaining official citizenship?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jocelyn BarahonMay 11, 2012 at 9:50 AM

      I think the real question is why can't they gain they take the necessary steps for gaining official citizenship? And to be honest it's a lot harder than it seems, it is a long slow process that seems very hard to obtain any steps to get closer to having citizenship. Most of the time the easiest way is to get married to an American citizen but other than that it's not an easy process. I have countless of friends who are Mexican and came to the U.S. when they were infants and still struggle getting there papers to obtain citizenship. They went to elementary, high school, college and university but struggled because according to the government they are not citizens just because the process is too long and not very helpful. So, in the end the real question should be when will they make it an easier process for illegal immigrants to obtain their US citizenship the right way without waiting decades to obtain it.

      Delete
  12. aramirez44May 11, 2012 at 4:14 AM

    I can kind of relate to how this man’s family felt when they found out there was a chance he was going to be deported. When I was younger someone told me that the government was going to pass a law where you had to meet certain requirements in order to continue to stay here. I don’t remember exactly what I was told, but because I was young and naïve I believed this person. I was very worried about there being a possibility that I’d lose a lot of my family, because of this stupid law, I decided to go to my older brother and ask what if he was worried about the new law. He told me that there was no such law and that whoever told me that was lying; I was so relieved to hear this, that I didn’t even care that I was lied to. I was not only worried about my family being deported because I’d be losing them but also because this is the country they knew. When you live in a country from a young age you learn their customs and want what they want. Everyone that comes here wants the American dream. So my question to the author is, do you think America is still allowing immigrants to achieve the American dream with all these new immigration laws?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JcontrerasMay 11, 2012 at 11:24 PM

      I agree with you most people who come here come in search of a better life, by doing that they bring their children at a young age. This new generation of children don’t really learn their roots they become “Americanized” and then years later they are told that they have to leave. This is completely unfair because their whole life has been here and then they are forced to go to a place that they don’t know. Their American dream gets taken away.

      Delete
  13. smanueleMay 11, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    I am so glad to hear that this family was able to be restored and are given the right to live their life as a family TOGETHER! There are people who commit worse crimes (murder, rape, etc.) that get the chance of parole and get set free. This man obviously has been rehabilitated and has shown over the course of his marriage that he has been a good man looking out for his family. I have no idea what it would feel like to have that as a threat to my family, but if a person wants to try to get legal citizenship and live the American dream then how can we deny them of their rights? His marriage is not a fraud, and there are many people here who marry to gain citizenship and their marriage is nothing, but a business deal. My question is, why wasn't Pedro granted citizenship through his marriage? Also, if he was on here on a working visa and was applying for a citizenship, why was he denied?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary06May 11, 2012 at 2:57 PM

      I also thought it was a bit confusing with the fact that Pedro could not renew his working permit. Without a doubt, immigration laws need to be changed to help those who are trying to obtain legal residency.

      Delete
  14. Jocelyn BarahonMay 11, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    The topic of immigration has always been one of my main concerns when it came to voting for a potential candidate that would try to do something about our current immigration policy. I remember that Hilary Clinton was one of the few that was discussing of making an easier process for illegal immigrants to gain their citizenship. That process was for the individual to get a background check to make sure we are not letting serial killers into our nation that compromises the safety of others. Secondly, since thet are in the United States illegaly then they would pay a fine. This type of process seems more ethical than kicking each illegal immigrant out just because they weren't born here or have citizensip when they spend years here living with their families. I honestly think that the story of Pedro is amazing at how he was married to a natural born American but was going to get deported either way. Most of the time getting married to American is usually the only way to obtain a permanent residency in the United States. However, the unfair system of immigration wanted to deport at any cost just because he wasn't an American citizen.They were going to deport him for petty crimes and an accident. I mean the hit and run is a big deal but if Pedro owned up to the responsibility and paid his dues for that then I don't see why he has to be deported for that. Unlike our own American citizens who text and drive and kill countless of people but sometimes still get away. But just because they were born here makes the whole difference and that is very unfair. However, I am glad that Pedro's story ended as a happy one and that other people come to realize the injustice in our immigration system.

    ReplyDelete
  15. ChristeenMay 11, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    As some of my classmates have pointed out, it is interesting to note that the author chose the title "Could He Be a Good American?". The title implies that, although he has no real recollection of his life in Guatemala, Pedro is not an American. He then strives to paint Pedro's family portrait as Norman Rockwell would have: yes, there are some bumps and scrapes (the broken-down home) but Logan still plays with Power Rangers and Emily is struggling with her weight, just like any other American woman.

    I was curious about the small aside about the growing Latino population in the South and wish that he would have expanded on it. Although I know that writers often have to stick to a word count, I feel that it would have helped "set the situation up" a little better if he gave a few more statistics.

    ReplyDelete
  16. LilianaLunaMay 11, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    As I was reading the story, I became so emotional. Shedding tears for a story that is in on paper is amazing; it only shows how powerful the message is. As I was reading about Pedro and his family’s situation, I began to wonder how Logan felt to have his father (who he spent a great deal of time with since he was a stay-at-home dad) taken from him without notice. Even though his parents understood the situation, he was clueless and the only thing he knew was that daddy was gone and he could not do a thing to change it. A question that I would ask the author would be if there was anything in specific that drove him to write about Pedro’s story? This story brings awareness to others about what deportation looks like and how minor misunderstandings can be translated to serious delinquencies. Deportation situations are not wished on anyone, I understand that there are individuals that do not deserve the right to a second, third, or forth chance. However, I have learned that people are able to change for the better if provided with an opportunity. In Pedro’s situation, he did mess up in his early years but he was blessed to find a person like Emily that helped him turned his life around. Together they made changes for the best and attained a happy and complete life together. In the other hand, every child deserves to be with both parents and no one should have the right to take that away from a child without cause.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Mary06May 11, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    I appreciated the writing because it places a more humane aspect to the problem associated with deportations and the different aspects that must be taken into consideration. This story places emphasis on the struggles and stress that families face when one of their relatives is in the process of being deported. The sad part of this story is that deportations are still going on in several states as immigration laws are getting stricter. Although this story had a happy ending, it is not the same case for unfortunate families that do not have all the resources to help bring attention from the media. Moreover, I myself am not against deportations as long as it is applied to criminals and not harmless individuals. I also feel that an individual’s past should not have a definite impact in their present life. The only exception should be that if an individual is living in an unlawful manner, their past record can be used against them. Undeniably, many families have been and continue to be separated as a result of harsh laws as these.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ruth WhipkeyMay 11, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    My question to the author would be: How can we fix the immigration laws in America? There are obviously two sides to this debate, both with their own merits. On one hand, some people do enter illegally with the intention to take support from the government and make money on the side doing illegal things. There are also those who were brought to this country illegally not of their own volition. A person who was brought here illegally under the age of 18 should not be held accountable for what their parents did. And at the same time, who can blame their parents? Wanting a better life for themselves and their children is not selfish. Desperation and poverty will drive good people to do things that are not necessarily in line with the law. Truthfully, I believe more people would immigrate here legally if the system were not so broken. I remember seeing something about how citizenship has a fifteen year waiting list. If they sped up the process, not only could they stop deporting people, but also benefit from them paying taxes. If being born in this country automatically makes you a citizen, coming across the border underage should also make you a citizen. A minor has no say in what their parents do, therefore should not be punished later in life.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rebekah MillerMay 11, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Although the story was quite interesting, I found myself having to resist skipping over certain parts. It was moving, yet seemed too detail on certain unimportant things. Then again, I have a hard time finding the balance between short and too wordy. I hate knowing that this is such a common story with an uncommon ending. In that way, the detailed descriptions helped set it apart. It is sad that families have to go through this. I think that each case must be carefully reviewed; however, there are so many cases like this. My heart goes out to both sides of the ongoing debate.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Veronica GaminoMay 11, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    I was surprised by the ending. I did think that Pedro was going to be deported. I can't help but wonder if his past mistakes were overlooked because he married and American woman and had the support of her family. If Pedro has married another hispanic or any other ethnicity would the result have been the same? Also I wonder if his child was a strong influence on his ruling.

    ReplyDelete
  21. RobinMay 11, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    This situation hits home for me because I too have children and depend heavily on my husband. I do not always agree with illegal immigrants being allowed to stay in the country because it seems as if the extra people make it harder for our citizens to receive the help that they need. There are some cases, however, that warrant a second look or a not so strict policy. I would ask the author how he would propose to fix immigration laws or at least mend them to where they were more agreeable to both sides. I do not think that we can just let in every single person into this country who wants to come because then we would be overpopulated and then this country wouldn't be good for anyone.

    ReplyDelete
  22. andrea bagsbyMay 11, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    This story is really close to home for me. My boyfriend and his family are from Mexico and obtaining residency took them awhile after coming to California. His mom told me her story of how she crossed the border and how scared she was living in California without residency. I can actually relate to Emily and Pedro. My life would not be the same if I did not have my boyfriend who came from Guadalajara. As for my question: how can we fix Americas immigration laws? I firmly believe America is a place of opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  23. JcontrerasMay 11, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    This was a very moving story and I’m glad it had a happy ending. There are too many cases in which a child is left without a father and wife without a husband. I think that Pedro was lucky that he was able to prove that he had turned his life around. I’m very glad he was set free because now Logan could have his father. I really don’t understand why he was arrested in the first place. Why did they go to his house to arrest him? If he was not causing any trouble why did immigration go looking for him? Was it just because his mother left? I hope that now that Pedro is free, Pamela will not forget that there are still many cases out there in which immigrants deserve a second chance. I hope Pamela and her family keep the alliances with the pro-immigrant activists. Most of the time we tend to forget how much injustice there is out there and it helps to for articles like this one to be published. If an immigrant is honest and they have lived their whole life or most of their life in this country why would they be removed after they start a family? Something does need to be done because the main problem is that it is very hard to tell which immigrants are up to no good and should be kicked out and which once are the good once.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joseph DelgadilloMay 11, 2012 at 11:52 PM

      I agree with you. I am proud of the people who come here in search of a better life. I really liked how the author presented the story. He was very straightforward with the information.

      Delete
  24. Joseph DelgadilloMay 11, 2012 at 11:48 PM

    I think this story has happened many times. I know a lot of families that have gone through something like this. I have had friends that were born in Mexico and moved to America with their parents. Some of my friends were forced to leave this country because they weren't legal residents. The sad part is that some of these people only spoke English. They were forced to learn a new language and a new countrys culture. I would like the author to provide information or statistics about immigrants coming into this country. That would be request or question to the author. I feel that most immigrants come to this country and become hard working Americans. Unfortunately there are some immigrants that get into some trouble but I am proud of the immigrants who cross the border in search of a better life. My parents did this and I am glad that they made that decision.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)