Curriculum Event and Connection to Equality: The Missouri Compromise
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The nation tried to keep the balance of free and slave states in the Union equal, so that one side didn't have more power than the other side. To keep this balance Kentucky senator Henry Clay, nick named "the great compromiser", came up with the Missouri Compromise. It declared that Maine became a free state, Missouri became a slave state, and made slavery illegal everywhere north of the 36,30 line in the Nation with the exception of Missouri.
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Modern Day Example and Connection to Ideal: Deported Vets Fight to Return 'Home' from Mexico
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The article is about vets who are coming back or retiring from service and are being deported because they are green card holders not citizens. These war veterans are being unequally treated after their military service and are being deported due to bad choices. Barajas should have been an American success story.
'"But several bad choices led him to that dusty street in Tijuana. His most important choice is what has tripped up many of the men at The Bunker. He didn't solidify his immigration status while on active duty. "I was under the assumption that, you know, I took the oath and that I'm a U.S. citizen, "Barajas said, pointing out that the oath of enlistment is similar to the oath of naturalization. "You're 18 years old and hey, Uncle Sam's going to take care of you," he said. And critically, Barajas claims the Army never prepared him for moving through the naturalization process. "Citizenship was never mentioned," he said. "I was never counseled, there's no program for it." Like many soldiers, Barajas struggled with alcohol and drugs during the closing days of his Army career. After serving six years, he was honorably discharged. But when he returned to Compton, his demons followed him. He struggled to adjust to civilian life. One night, he was arrested for shooting a gun from his vehicle. Even though nobody was hurt, he was charged with assault. He pleaded guilty to illegal discharge of a firearm and served two years in jail. Just as he finished serving his time, freedom in sight, his real nightmare started. He was informed that because he was a green card holder and not a citizen, he was no longer able to stay in the United States. His six years in the US Army meant nothing. There was no redemption for his plea of guilty or for his time served in jail. He was deported to Mexico, leaving his daughter behind. "When I got in trouble, I paid my debt to society. I owned what I've done," he said. "We did what most American's won't do -- we put our life on the line -- I think it's unjust that we're deported American veterans. Why not change those laws?"' (CNN.com). |
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