Debating Undocumented Immigrants' Rights Take Action! - Asylum May Be a Matter of Life and Death 1. The number of people detained by the INS has increased greatly since the passage of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Find out why by researching the provisions of these two laws. Two possible sources are the Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) and USCourts.com 2. To get an idea of what’s involved in establishing refugee or asylum status in the United States, visit the INS Online site and click on “Asylum” and “Refugees.” 3. Research your family history. When and how did any of your ancestors come to the United States? Were they fleeing violence or persecution? How do you think today’s immigration laws might have affected their arrival in the United States? 4. Immigrants who want to become citizens must pass a test on U.S. history and government. Could you pass this test? Find out by taking the test. 5. Visit the CNN Presents Asylum in America Web site and read the story. Then use the site's interactive features and take the quiz. Student Central | Students in Action | Debating Undocumented Immigrants' Rights Locked Up Tight | *Asylum May Be a Matter of Life and Death* | The Next Gideon? Careers in Immigration Law