Joris Debeij's film, Making It in America, takes a look at Alma Velasco, a Salvadoran immigrant who was granted political asylum in the United States. The lesson gives a face to immigrants and their struggles to embrace the American Dream.

Concepts

immigration, emigration, the american dream, perseverance

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members investigate recent controversies surrounding American Apparel and its subsequent sale
• Have groups read and report on the linked articles on immigration

Classroom Considerations

• A link to the film is attached

Pros

• The six-page resource includes background information about Alma Velasco, discussion questions, and writing prompts

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.11-12.1.c