Sofia Silva 1

Reflection 5
1. What did you learn from your groups' discussion about the reading, "The Teens
Caught Between the Law and Gangs" by Jonathan Blitzer?
My group focused on the effects/ impacts of migration. Together we focused on
the effects on the educational system. We learned about ESL courses and how
students are often simply put into and stuck in these classes. Additionally we
discussed the unstable living conditions as well as exposure to the very gangs
many fled their countries for.
2. What personal connections or background knowledge do you have on this topic
of unaccompanied minors migrating to the US? If this is your first time learning
about this topic, what would you say is your biggest "take away" in looking at
the larger conversation regarding these unaccompanied minors?
I have seen stories about children migrating to the U.S. on the news before but
have never looked into it very much. I was aware of the many lives being lost, but
was never inclined to look into it. I think the most compelling part to me were the
stories of how kids adapted once they were here. Many ran away from the violent
threats imposed by gangs in their home countries only to come to the U.S. and
find them in their classrooms as well.
3. Select 2 of the discussion questions you shared or were shared with you during
today's jigsaw discussion. Respond to each question specifically and
thoughtfully.
○ Question 1: ​How do we shift the narrative of labeling those escaping from their
countries from immigrants to refugees?
○ Response 1: ​I think change comes through education. Educating everyone about
both sides. History has always been presented in a very single sided way or as my
history teacher would say “from the winner’s perspective.” If we were to learn
about both sides then perhaps there would be greater tolerance among human
beings and the narrative would begin to shift. Bias is taught. There is no way for a
person not to be influenced by their surroundings, but by presenting a person with
both sides of a story they are able to more clearly understand their surroundings.
○ Question 2: ​How can the U.S. government improve the living standards for
unaccompanied minors?
○ Response 2: ​I think the first step towards change is to simply treat them as human
beings. The children face treacherous conditions just to get here and are then
presented with individuals who treat them as criminals. As if someone seeking a
better future somehow deserved the same treatment as a murderer. Also the
government should make the living conditions in detention centers more
 Sofia Silva 2

accommodating. They should all have to pass inspections and have a working
A/C and heating system. More staff should be hired and health professionals
should be brought to evaluate their well being.
4. What do you think is the author's purpose in writing this essay? What do you
think he hopes the reader will understand about the issue of immigration in the
United States?
I think the author intends to introduce the issue of migrant children in a different
way than the narrative being spread by the current administration. He uses cases
of real people and explains the horrendous reasons as to why they had no other
choice than to flee their homes and what horrible reality they were confronted
with upon their arrival. I think the author’s intention is to appeal to the readers
emotions and expose those who have only heard about these children as people
who use up taxpayers money to the reasons why theses kids had to come to the
U.S.
5. Preview the Luiselli book and make a plan for how you will ensure you are
caught up and prepared to discuss the book next week. What strategies will you
use to ensure you understand the book? Explain your plan.
I will first read through the directions for assignment 5 to make sure I know what
I am looking for as I read. Then I will read a section of the reading each day
beginning Friday, making sure to annotate and highlight as I go along. Having an
entire day per section ensures I do not rush and have time to make meaningful
annotations. Monday I will finish the homework assignment and once again skim
through the book to find the evidence I need as well as solidify my understanding.

BONUS QUESTION:

In what ways does this reading and/or topic of unaccompanied minors migrating to the
United States change or inform your ideas about the "dream" that Coates writes about?
Explain.

I think it strengthens the notion that we should awake from the dream. The American Dream is
not the reason so many children are coming to the U.S. and even if it were, the conditions in
which they are placed among their arrival make it impossible for them to achieve the dream.
They are locked into a world of violence which is hard to escape from and once arriving must
find the will to completely throw themselves into their studies in order to test out of the remedial
courses most are automatically put into. They have no reason to then believe that the American
Dream is true, being that it is practically unachievable for them.