This first draft of your research paper needs to be a full version of your paper. It MUST include:
• Heading and formatting in MLA format
• Introduction paragraph with a thesis sentence
• Body paragraphs that include quotes, in-text citations for EVERY reference to a source or quote, and thoughtfully-crafted arguments
• Conclusion paragraph
• Works Cited page with all of your sources listed alphabetically
• Grammatically correct sentences
• Refer back to your research essay prompt for more information about what needs to be included in your paper.
You will receive feedback on your paper in a one-on-one Zoom conference with me after these drafts have been submitted, but you will also be required to join a Zoom meeting during our drafting time (see previous assignment), so we can make sure everyone knows how to use Zoom and has the opportunity to ask questions about writing their papers.
Title: Surviving the Borders: The Relationship along the U.S. Border of Mexico is dangerously on the edge
Abstract: Nevada Barr’s 2009 novel, Borderline, tells the story of a rafting adventure down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park that uncovers the danger of nature and social classes among the U.S. border with Mexico. There are many arguments as to why people would like to see the U.S. borders along Mexico closed, and equally as many reasons to keep the borders open. With an influx of illegal immigration people need to be reminded of the various implications and outcomes of closed borders versus open borders.
Thesis Statement
Diversified people on the quest for a common national identity are often the cause of illegal immigrations along the U.S. border of Mexico. The U.S borders along Mexico regarding illegal immigration presents many complex issues. In a chilling and thrilling narrative, Anna is pulled into a mystery with illegal border crossings, intense political-power plays, murders, death, and deception on a rafting trip along the Santa Elena Canyon in Big Ben National Park. Given the political games in play, Anna struggles to unravel the mysterious happenings and her efforts lead her from the Mexican border to the Governor’s Mansion in Texas.
Additional need to know information regarding research paper requirements:
Title of book must be included (mentioned) in the Thesis Statement
MLA format
Rough Draft Due Date April 12th, by 10:00pm (CST)
2,000 – 3,000 words (4-5 pages) work cited can be used in the word count for this paper
Abstract is not required to be used in research paper, but I would like to use the Abstract and use as much of the annotated bibliography we can.
Borderline, by Nevada Barr the book will need to be used as a primary source in addition to the five sources we currently have. (leave room in some of the paragraphs of this research paper and I will be the one to add direct quotes or things from the book to add to this research paper.
Annotated Bibliography
Abramitzky, R., & Boustan, L. (2017). Immigration in American economic history. Journal of economic literature, 55(4), 1311-45.
The authors of this article review the studies about immigration in America based on economic history. The report addresses three main issues regarding immigration in America. It highlights how immigrants got selected into America, how they got assimilated into the US society and the effects of immigration on the economy. According to the article, natives complain of low wages as a result of immigrations and immigrants fail to assimilate into society. The article mentions that immigrants today receive cheaper payments that are a disadvantage to the natives, unlike the past, where the wages were similar for both natives and immigrants. The authors suggest that undocumented immigrants are a set of skilled laborers in the US.
Androff, D. K., & Tavassoli, K. Y. (2012). Deaths in the desert: The human rights crisis on the US–Mexico border. Social work, 57(2), 165-173.
This article addresses the implications of tightening of the U.S. Mexico borders. It denotes that the death tolls have risen in the Sonoran deserts as a result of increasing security at the edge. The authors illustrate the efforts by humanitarians to reduce more deaths but have become criminalization targets. The article describes how migrants are at risk of mortality, health problems, and inhumane treatment when caught. The immigrants are the most significant percentage of the American workforce, according to the authors. The article denotes that policies implemented to bar undocumented immigration have resulted in corruption and violence in Mexico. The authors suggest a humane immigration reform to prevent the deaths of migrants.
Delacroix, J., & Nikiforov, S. (2009). If Mexicans and Americans Could Cross the Border Freely. The Independent Review, 14(1), 101-133.
This article reviews the possible outcomes of opening the US and Mexico border freely for both citizens. The authors postulate that opening the borders with no restrictions will not lead to an increase in immigration cases from Mexico. They suggest that it will be a chance for acquiring skilled laborers from Mexico and could allow for elderly Americans to reside in Mexico. However, unrestricted immigration would also affect US wages, which is a disadvantage to the natives. The authors also examine the cultural and linguistic impact of increased Mexican immigration, claiming it to be benign.
Maha, S. S., & Maha, L. G. (2010). The impact of illegal immigration on US economy.
This article explores the impact that illegal migration has on the economy of the United States of America. The authors in this article suggest that unlawful immigration has both benefits and disadvantages to the economy of America as per the different view’s individuals hold. The report shows the percentages of ordinary immigrants from different countries with Mexico leading. According to the authors, the hostile reaction gearing the closure of borders is from individuals who argue that immigrants reduce wages and thus affect labor markets and lead extra-budgetary expenses. The article emphasizes that illegal immigration has led to more benefits to the country as there is cheap labor to the advantage of firms and consumers as products become more affordable.
McAdams, D. (2017). A Wall Won’t Secure the US-Mexico Border, but Economic Policy Could. Harvard Business Review, 14.
This article by McAdams suggests that the idea of President Trump to build a wall between America and Mexico borders is not a solution to deter illegal immigration into the country. The article describes some of the consequences of erecting a physical barrier. The author denotes that closing the border will harm the USA more as there will be a rise of insecurity. The decision, according to the article, will affect the economy and the agricultural sector adversely as most farm laborers are immigrants. The author recommends that the government can mitigate illegal immigration by allowing those in the country first to obtain legal documents to work in the country without returning to their native countries.
Works Cited
Abramitzky, R., & Boustan, L. (2017). Immigration in American economic history. Journal of economic literature, 55(4), 1311-45.
Androff, D. K., & Tavassoli, K. Y. (2012). Deaths in the desert: The human rights crisis on the US–Mexico border. Social work, 57(2), 165-173.
Delacroix, J., & Nikiforov, S. (2009). If Mexicans and Americans Could Cross the Border Freely. The Independent Review, 14(1), 101-133
Maha, S. S., & Maha, L. G. (2010). The impact of illegal immigration on US economy.
McAdams, D. (2017). A Wall Won’t Secure the US-Mexico Border, but Economic Policy Could. Harvard Business Review, 14.