Lesson 3: Growing Up Undocumented

Materials:

  1. Worksheet: Growing Up Undocumented

  2. Slideshow: Growing Up Undocumented

Opening (10 min)

Today, we are going to discuss how oral histories can help to fill in gaps in history.

Go over IRCA policies and write them on the board for students to reference as they watch the videos and answer the questions.

Main Content (30 min)

1.     As a group: Play both Sagrario Mendez and Julian Pimiento’s Challenge Before IRCA and Breathing Free stories on the smart board - back to back. Recall what it means to think like an oral history researcher as students actively listen to their oral histories. (5 min)

2.     In pairs or small groups: Sagrario Mendez and Julian Pimiento talk about their fears of being discovered as undocumented immigrants. Use the Graphic organizer to track your answers. (20 minutes)

●      Driving question: What is included and left out on the IRCA policies listed on the board?

○      What makes 1986 such a critical year for undocumented immigrants and their employers?

●      The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 is not just historically significant, it impacted legacies of immigrants

○      Julian Pimiento is a son of undocumented parents. What is the fear among families who work in the factories?

●      What were the differences between Sagrario and Julien’s experiences after they each received legalization?

○      How did their environment and supports shape these reactions?

○      What changed over time for Julian?

●      How do the stories from Sagrario Mendez and Julian Pimiento add to or fill in the gaps of the historical narrative?

DEBRIEF WORKSHEET QUESTIONS AS A CLOSE

Closing Dialogue (5 min)

Looking back at IRCA and the oral histories of Sagrario Mendez and Julian Pimiento, how do these measures shape the daily lives of immigrants?

●      What advocacy can you see being done to influence public policy changes?

Possible follow question: “Think about Pimiento’s comment about the lack of support from community and organizations. Can you identify communities or organizations that either you or your family have been a part of that have been fundamental to your development?”