The five articles that I have selected for my collection emphasize the importance of education for immigrants and their families upon arriving in the United States. 

In the articles "How a School Network Helps Immigrant Kids Learn" by David L. Kirp, and "The American Dream Isn’t Dead. This Is How Immigrant Families Are Achieving It" by Raisa Bruner, we see how schooling for new immigrants, both youth and adults alike, is crucial for success on American soil. In Kirby's article, he introduces readers to the International Network for Public Schools, which delivers “first class” education to new immigrant teenagers. The first school was founded over 30 years-ago, and today, there are 19 schools located in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington D.C. This specific program serves its students both educationally and emotionally.  

In Bruner’s Article, she reports on Chicago’s southwest side Instituto del Progreso Latino, an adult vocational training school. This school provides to immigrants who have minimal previous schooling, are living on salaries between $14,000 to $18,000 a year, and are also supporting children of their own. The goal of this program is to “lift families out of poverty and fulfill their American dreams. And it’s working” (Bruner). What the Instituto does is take a holistic approach by reducing the complexity of education to garner success. Both of these programs are crucial toward breaking the social stigmas around immigrants (i.e. lazy, criminals, uneducated). 

Both the third and fourth articles in the collection touch on the importance of resources to immigrant children, both in and out of the classroom. First, in the article, "New App Helps Undocumented Immigrants Find College Scholarships" by Mariela Patron, talks about an education based app created by a Mexican immigrant named, Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca. The app is called the DREAMer’s Roadmap, and was created for the purpose of helping undocumented immigrant high schooler’s find scholarships for college. Apps like these take away the fear and uncertainty of attaining scholarships that can greatly impact their future educational endeavors. Second, in the article, "Building Trust, Note By Note: High School Band Program Integrates Immigrants" by Armando Trull, we see how a simple band program in a predominantly homogenous school can bring together both black and latino students alike. This specific program breaks down racial and social barriers that can occur within the educational institutions. 

The final article in the collection, "Divided On Arrival: Even In Diverse Schools, New Immigrants Face Bullying" by Armando Trull, explains how immigrant children and teenagers are met with a cold shoulder when first entering into the education system. Immigrant children are seen as different and met with racial slurs and preconceived ideas about their lifestyle.  

These five articles simultaneously cover how important education is to new immigrants and how resources are crucial to breaking the social stigma placed on these individuals. In terms of context of reception, it can be hard for new immigrants to a system that might not immediately or ever be accepting of them. Education, however, can outwardly be seen as a form of acceptance in society, and give the feelings of honor and hope to many immigrants. In the end, stories like these do give me hope for the future of immigrants in America and allow for readers to recognize the grassroots efforts that are taking place in their backyards. 

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My mother’s response to my collection was both thoughtful and refreshing, considering today’s current feelings toward immigrants coming into America. The following is her response:

The solutions perspective of the first three articles is refreshing given the recent negativity surrounding immigration in the media. I like the concept of individuals/organizations attacking issues with innovative solutions. The program in Chicago was the most interesting to me, especially because of the loan program they initiated. So often the anti-immigrant narrative complains about giving “hand-outs” and people taking advantage of our country. The loan approach was unique in that it expected repayment but only in the event that the program delivers on its promises (so it is worth the risk for the immigrant). I also was amazed by the 100 percent job placement rate for nurses. Health care is experiencing such a shortage of qualified workers, and I am thrilled to see Latino immigrants finding high quality employment. With the right resources, immigrants don’t have to work menial jobs and can contribute well for their families, neighborhood and communities at large.

The fourth article sees to show the early stages of finding solutions to a problem that I myself was unaware. The idea that an “Americanized” immigrant would even consider a new immigrant as something as repulsive as a dirty pig is shocking to me, but also makes sense. I suspect even Americanized immigrant teens face uncertainty surrounding their identity and can fall victim into shaming others to protect themselves. I found the early solution of increasing police presence as perhaps not the best route, but involving counselors is a good step.

Overall, the concept of language proficiency seems critical for all immigrants and it seems that innovative approaches to pullout ESL training really opens up opportunities that can assist the immigrant for a lifetime. Anyone who is afraid that immigrants are a drain to our country should read these articles. Solutions exist that don’t involve political infighting.

Her response and my response shared many similarities in regard to solutions and context of reception. My mother and I have many conversations regarding social and political issues surrounding immigration, and we tend to share the same beliefs and ideals regarding the topic. This assignment allowed for me, as well as my mother, to read about solutions instead of the negative aspects of immigration that certain media outlets feed us as viewers. Being able to understand the solutions is imperative toward social and political change within the realm of immigration.