immigration policy brief.DACA Introduction (can be one paragraph or 4 separate paragraphs for each point) The Hook--Give some stat on undocumented children and the hardship they face Wh

Project Assignment. Students will write a policy brief where they analyze a public problem related to immigration. The specific topic is of their choosing. An effective policy brief is direct and concise, and makes use of theory and evidence. You will be graded on the quality of the evidence you present in your brief, and not on the particular position taken. Students will present a short synopsis of their project during the last class sessions.

Writing Assignment Expected length is:

o Undergrad students: 6-8 double-spaced (8 pages max), plus a 1 page (single-spaced)

executive summary

Note: In terms of word count the length should be:

• Undergrads: 1500-2000 words max, plus 500 word max executive summary

If you prefer not to double space or to use a more creative style of policy brief (which is encouraged) then follow the word count limit.

Potential Policy Topic Areas: Border security, immigrant health and education, immigrant employment & the economy, immigrant integration, refugee policy and re-settlement, global migration. Other policy topics of students choosing but related to immigration.

Policy Brief Content and Grading Elements The overall grade for the paper is based on the combined performance in each of these evaluation components (note the suggested page limit is a general guideline and not mandatory):

• Executive Summary (1 page): Provides a succinct synthesis of all elements of the policy brief in a short and concise one-page summary. NOTE: It is o.k. for the executive summary to be redundant and to use wording/sentences from the main policy brief.

• Introduction (2-3 paragraphs): Provides a brief introduction that notes the purpose of the policy brief and objectives that will be completed.

o Note: A good introduction typically has the following elements. I demonstrate

using an example of a policy brief on in-state resident tuition policies for undocumented immigrants.

▪ The catch/hook—Nearly 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year, but federally they have limited access to higher education.

▪ What we know—Nearly half of U.S. states have adopted policies to ease these federal restrictions, but several other states have adopted even more restrictive measures.

▪ What we don’t know & What you are going to do—This policy brief will examine the political debates and policies surrounding access to higher education for undocumented immigrants. In particular, the brief evaluates the pros and cons of two competing in-state resident (IRT) policies for undocumented immigrants: IRT-extension policies and IRT-bans. Based on this evaluation, the policy brief provides policy recommendations that ensure states maximize economic impacts while also promoting educational equality.

• Problem Definition (approximately 1-2 pages): Identifies a public problem related to immigration. Provides neutral background that describes what the problem or underlying issue is and why it is important. What are the basic facts surrounding the issue/problem? What is the extent of the problem/changes over time? How did the problem arise or come to the public’s attention?

• Provides different viewpoints of the problem (approximately 1-2 pages)—Clearly explains competing perspectives/arguments related to the issue and the different individuals (e.g., immigrants, vs. natives) and/or institutions (e.g., federal vs. state governments) affected.

• Compares and contrasts policy solutions (approximately 2-3): Lists and defines at least two possible policy solutions for addressing the problem. One policy solution could be keeping the status quo, and the other a proposed policy intervention. Or, you could compare and contrast two (or more) different policy proposals. Clearly describes each policy and the pros and cons of the policy. How does each policy address the problem? How does the policy affect different individuals (e.g., immigrants vs. natives; unauthorized vs. legal immigrants, etc.) and/or institutions (e.g., schools, local governments, businesses)?

• Policy recommendation and justification (approximately 1-2 pages): Based on your assessment provide a policy recommendation and justification for that recommendation. That justification can be based on issues of ethics, equality, economic impacts, feasibility, or other issues covered in class.

• Conclusion (approximately 1⁄2-1 page): Provides a brief recap of the policy issue, policy solutions evaluated, and final policy recommendation.

• Claims supported with evidence—uses appropriate literature sources to justify arguments and claims. Integrates the ideas from the different sources to make arguments rather than simply lists what each source says.

• Presentation—overall writing style and presentation is clear, well-structured, and grammatically correct. Organization is clear and has all relevant sections (i.e. introduction, body of paper, and conclusion); Uses appropriate sub-headings; Paragraphs each have a clear topic; Clear transitions between paragraphs and topics; Uses paraphrasing rather than quoting; formality of writing appropriate for academic paper.

• Uses Reputable Sources—Gathered at least a total of five different reputable sources (e.g., governmental reports, newspaper articles, peer-reviewed journal articles, and non- biased research centers/think tanks), two of which must be peer-reviewed journal articles related to that topic. Note that less reputable sources, such as advocacy pieces, can be included when appropriate (e.g., to show the polarization of an issue) but are not included as part of the five total.

• References/Formatting—Follows the APA citation format. Fits within page limit; uses 12 point font and 1 inch margins.