For GOVT 2305:
For this assignment I want you to try some policy analysis. Read up on the most recent development on the border - the influx of children on the borer - and try to come up with the most effective solution to it. Preferable one that does not cause further disputes down the road.
I also want you to keep the political angles involved in this dispute. Keep in mind that we are just a few months away from the 2014 election. Politicians - especially those with difficult elections ahead - keep in mind how the positions they take on issues like this will affect them on election day.
There's lots to this story, so the more you are able to appreciate all the angles associated with it, the better your grade. This is more than a border security issue.
Here are a few items you might consider reading, but be sure to do your own research.
- ‘Flee or die’: violence drives Central America’s child migrants to US border.
- Why are so many kids crossing the US-Mexico border and what should Obama do?
- Debunking 8 Myths About Why Central American Children Are Migrating.
- Boehner: No 'blank check' for border crisis.
- White House seeks $3.7bn in extra funding to address child migrant crisis.
- Border Crisis Puts Spotlight on 2008 Immigration Law.
For GOVT 2306:
This assignment will build on the one for 2305. It's also about the recent influx of immigrant/refugee child on the Texas-Mexico border, but I want you to analyze this more from the point of view of federalism.
What are the relative responsibilities of the national and state government in this dispute? Try to drill down into basic conflicts between the two levels - three levels if you want to bring Texas cities into this as well. Outline as clearly as you can, the conflict between each level of government over this issue.
You can look at this from a constitutional perspective, but don't forget the political differences as well. The different actors are not only trying to deal with a public policy problem, they are also positioning themselves and their parties for the upcoming election. In the case of Governor Perry, he's trying to look like a viable presidential candidates as well.
You can also try to predict how this might be resolved, but keep in mind that not everything gets resolved. I'm betting that we forget about this issue before the semester is over.
Here are some articles you might consider reading:
- Perry, Obama Discuss Solutions to Immigration Crisis.
- Texas Democrats Say GOP Stalling Aided Immigrant Influx.
- Obama, on Texas Trip, Will Face Immigration Critics.
- Obama: Perry should press Texas delegation on border-security funding.
- Obama-Perry Texas talks tense as migrant children stranded.
