These cartoons highlight U.S. immigration laws and the experiences
of immigrants to the United States. See how you would answer the
questions that go with the cartoons. To access other topics, use the Topics
menu to the right.
Immigration Law
Cartoon 1
Immigrants at the Rio Grande River
From Insights on Law & Society 1.3 (Spring 2001): 18.
Millions of Mexican immigrants have illegally entered the United States from Mexico at the Rio Grande River. Many have died in the attempt. The cartoon shows two Mexican families looking at each other across the river.
1. What do you think the members of each family are thinking?
2. If you were on the Mexican side of the river, what would be your reasons for trying to cross it illegally? What concerns might hold you back?
3. Do you think the U.S. government should make it easier for Mexicans to legally immigrate to the United States? Why or why not? How about people from Cuba, China, Canada, Venezuela, Somalia, Russia, or any other nation? Learn about these and other Countries of your choice, and explain your position regarding immigration to the United States from each one.
4. See Elian Gonzalez, The Next Gideon? to learn about the plight of a Cuban boy whose mother drowned trying to enter the United States with him through Florida. Do you agree or disagree with the action the U.S. government took in his case? Explain your answer.
Cartoon 2
New York City Detainee
From Insights on Law & Society 1.3 (Spring 2001): 11.
Millions of immigrants have entered the United States at New York
City, home of the Statue of Liberty. Many have been held in detainment
(not allowed to enter), sometimes for something they could not
help (such as disease) and sometimes for illegal actions (such
as presenting forged admission papers). The cartoon shows an immigrant
entering a detainment center in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
1. What colors has the cartoonist selected to depict this cartoon's
mood?
2. How has the cartoonist characterized (represented) the immigrant's
mood? In what ways does this characterization contrast or blend
with the Statue of Liberty and the rest of the cartoon? Explain
your answer.
3. What is the irony, or contradiction, that seems to trouble
the cartoonist? If you were to redraw the cartoon to show an immigrant
being allowed to enter at New York City, what images and colors
might you include? Why?
4. See Locked
Up Tight to learn more about immigrant detainment in the United
States.
