Sociology Question

Overview

Please choose one of the following prompts and write a 5-6 page (1,250 - 1,500 words) essay that is thesis-driven and supported with 5-6 sources from the class and related research areas. Please include a reference page (not included in page count) in a recognizable citation style, including the American Sociological Association, Modern Language Association, or American Psychological Association format.

Question 1

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the criminalization of asylum seekers in the United States. This question asks you to analyze this phenomenon, its causes, and its consequences. Write an essay addressing the following points:

1. Define what asylum is and discuss what is meant by the “criminalization of asylum.”
2. Identify and explain one policy or practice that has contributed to the criminalization of asylum seekers in the U.S. These may include, but are not limited to: a) detention practices b) prosecution for illegal entry c) restrictions on asylum eligibility
3. Analyze how these practices or policies conflict with the United States’ obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
4. Examine the impact of criminalization on asylum seekers, considering factors such as: a) access to legal representation b) mental and physical health c) ability to present asylum claims effectively.
5. Discuss how the criminalization of asylum intersects with broader trends in immigration enforcement in the United States.

All work for this course will be reviewed by plagiarism prevention tools, including AI detection software. Please do your own work and cite your sources judiciously. Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to: submitting work that other students have submitted for other courses in previous years, copying other students’ work, submitting work created by ChatGPT (and other AI tools) without appropriate citation, failing to correctly cite sources. Please see the UCI policy on academic integrity in the syllabus

tips from me:

Menjívar, Gómez Cervantes, & Alvord – Discusses the symbolic and structural criminalization of asylum seekers.

Ellermann – Analyzes asylum policies and their enforcement.

Flores & Schachter – Explores how immigration enforcement impacts asylum seekers.

Robles – Likely discusses asylum-related policies.

Franco, Patler, & Reiter – Could be useful in discussing detention and access to legal representation.

The Symbolic Criminalization of Asylum (PDF) – Specifically addresses encounters with CBP.

1. Question 1 (Criminalization of Asylum Seekers) – Easiest
   • This topic has the most direct references in your course materials (Menjívar, Ellermann, Flores & Schachter, Franco et al.).
   • The 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol give you a solid framework to argue U.S. violations.
   • Issues like detention, legal barriers, and CBP encounters are well-documented in your readings.
   • You can make strong connections to real-world examples, which professors usually reward.