In this activity, you will explore the challenges and difficulties people face when seeking refuge in the United States according to the information provided by USCIS. You will also get to practice using the impersonal “se” in Spanish to create a list of these challenges and describe them. Finally, you will analyze the information provided about the refugee process and determine whether it is sufficient.

Part 1: Discussing Refugee Process Challenges (15 minutes)

1. Group Formation: form small groups.
2. Discussion: Each group should discuss the challenges refugees face on their journey to the US, including legal processes, living conditions, social integration, and family reunification.
3. Share and Compare: After discussing within your group, share the challenges you’ve identified with the class. Take note of these challenges.

Part 2: Using the Impersonal “se” to Create a List (10 minutes)

1. Formation of Lists: In your pairs or groups, use the impersonal “se” to create a list in Spanish of the challenges you discussed. For example: “Se enfrenta a dificultades legales.”
2. Description: Explain each challenge briefly using “se” to describe impersonal situations. For example, “Se experimenta aislamiento social debido a la falta de familiares.”

Part 3: Analyzing the Refugee Process Information (15 minutes)

1. Read the Provided Information: Please read the information provided about the refugee process in the United States. I kindly request you to check for any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors and make necessary corrections if there are any.
2. Discussion: In groups or pairs, discuss whether the information provided is sufficient for someone seeking refuge to understand the process, its steps, and potential challenges.
3. Share Analysis: Present your group’s analysis to the class. Discuss any additional information that could improve understanding of refugees or clarify any unclear areas.

Wrap-up:

As a group, summarize the main challenges discussed and the critical insights gained from analyzing the provided information. Additionally, reflect on the significance of comprehending and addressing these challenges for people seeking refuge in the United States. This exercise will not only improve your Spanish communication skills but also deepen your understanding of the complexities that refugees face during the process of seeking asylum and resettlement.

2. Analyzing and Advising on Refugee Process Challenges

In this activity, you will analyze immigrants’ challenges during the refugee process and provide recommendations or advice in Spanish using the subjunctive mood. You will then share your suggestions with the class, fostering discussion and learning.

the possible problems faced by immigrants during the refugee process include:

1. Referral Requirement: Needing a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for consideration as a refugee.
2. Application Assistance: Requiring help filling out the application and an interview abroad to determine eligibility.
3. Family Considerations: Navigating eligibility for including spouse, children, and other family members in the application.
4. Marriage Validity: Ensuring that marriage is legally recognized for immigration purposes.
5. No Application Fee: Not having to pay a fee for applying for refugee status.
6. Medical Exam and Orientation: Undergoing a medical exam, cultural orientation, and travel planning upon approval.
7. Financial Assistance: Receiving financial support through a loan for travel and subsequent medical and cash assistance.
8. Family Reunification: Filing forms for family members abroad to join as refugees.
9. Affidavit of Relationship: Completing a form to reunite with relatives outside the United States who are determined to be refugees.
10. Immediate Work Authorization: Being allowed to work with the necessary documentation upon arrival.
11. Permanent Residency Application: Applying for a Green Card a year after arriving in the United States.
12. Travel Document Necessity: Needing a Refugee Travel Document for re-entry when traveling abroad.
13. Risk of Inability to Re-enter: Potential difficulty in re-entering the U.S. without a Refugee Travel Document.

These challenges encompass legal processes, eligibility, family reunification, work authorization, and travel documentation.

Part 1: Analyzing Refugee Process Challenges (7 minutes)

1. Individual Reflection: Take a moment to read and understand the challenges immigrants face during the refugee process.
2. Group Discussion: Form small groups and discuss the challenges listed. Consider the implications of each challenge and its potential impact on individuals seeking refuge.

Part 2: Writing Recommendations or Advice (7 minutes)

1. Subjunctive Introduction: Review the structure of making recommendations or giving advice using the subjunctive mood in Spanish. For example: “Es importante que se reciba ayuda al completar la solicitud…”
2. Writing Recommendations: Individually, choose one challenge from the list and write a recommendation or advice in Spanish, using the subjunctive, to address that challenge. Think about practical steps or approaches that could help individuals overcome the challenge.

Part 3: Sharing Recommendations (6 minutes)

1. Sharing within Groups: In your small groups, take turns sharing the recommendations or advice you’ve written based on the challenge you selected.
2. Group Reflection: Discuss the recommendations shared within your group. Consider the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential impact of each recommendation.
3. Class Sharing: Each group will present a summary of the challenge they discussed and the recommendations they came up with. Be prepared to explain the reasoning behind your request briefly.

Wrap-up:

As a class, reflect on immigrants’ diverse challenges during the refugee process and the various recommendations provided. Discuss the importance of practical solutions to address these challenges and the role of empathy in understanding the experiences of refugees.

Through this activity, you will practice using the subjunctive mood in Spanish and engage in meaningful discussions about real-world issues and how positive recommendations can contribute to smoother refugee processes.

Objective: To improve Spanish language skills while learning about the Form I-590 and its purpose in the context of U.S. immigration and refugee status.

1. Explaining the Form I-590

Based on the following information about the I-590 form, write in Spanish eleven instructions about how to fill out this form.

Here’s an overview of the key aspects of Form I-590:

1. To apply for refugee status using Form I-590, individuals must have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country and be outside the United States.
2. The refugee status determination process involves a thorough interview and investigation by USCIS officers, during which applicants must provide detailed information and supporting documents to establish their eligibility.
3. The form serves as a registration document for individuals seeking refugee status. It collects personal information about the applicant including their biographic details, family members, and contact information.
4. Applying for refugee status involves a detailed interview and investigation by USCIS officers. Applicants must prove their eligibility through supporting documents. This is called the Refugee Status Determination process.
5. The form registers refugees and collects personal details including biographics, family members, and contact information.
6. Refugee applicants need to provide supporting documents, such as medical reports and witness affidavits.
7. Form I-590 applicants have an interview with a USCIS officer to clarify their case.
8. USCIS conducts background checks to ensure refugees don’t pose security risks.
9. USCIS decides to approve or deny refugee status based on the information and interview. If approved, the person can resettle in the US as a refugee.
10. After refugee status is granted, additional processing includes medical exams, security checks, and coordination with resettlement organizations.
11. Refugees can travel to the US after processing and will be admitted on arrival.

2. Form I-590 Translation (20 minutes):

1. You will receive copies of Form I-590 in both English and its translated version in Spanish.
2. Pair up or form small groups to translate the English version into Spanish.
3. Use the vocabulary and key phrases you’ve learned to assist with the translation.
4. After completing your translation, review it together as a group. If you have any questions or need help, don’t hesitate to ask.

3. Conclusion

Summarize in Spanish the key takeaways from the class, emphasizing the importance of understanding immigration processes, especially for those interested in working in professions related to law, social work, or immigration advocacy.