WALLS AND BRIDGES

Citizenship Activity

Overview of Activity Plan: Roles of the INS and becoming a citizen

Suggested Time Allowance: 5-10 minutes

Outcomes: The students will understand the role of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and they will understand the importance of becoming a citizen.

Watching and Listening: Before watching the interview together, the teacher will assure the class that the INS is an agency that exists to provide benefits to all immigrants, as well as, an agency that protects our borders.

Procedure: During the interview, the INS official stresses the importance of applying for U.S. citizenship if the immigrant intends to remain in the United States for many years. Ask the students to name the benefits of becoming a citizen and list these benefits on the board.

Writing Activity: After the students have "brainstormed" about the benefits of becoming a citizen, ask the students to choose a benefit and write a short paragraph explaining why that benefit is important.