Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which department oversees the issuance of visas in the United States?
Which department oversees the issuance of visas in the United States?
What is required for a legal resident to naturalize in the United States?
What is required for a legal resident to naturalize in the United States?
What annual intake of refugees is allowed under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990?
What annual intake of refugees is allowed under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990?
What major international organization was established after World War I to promote peace?
What major international organization was established after World War I to promote peace?
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According to the Geneva Convention, what characterizes a refugee?
According to the Geneva Convention, what characterizes a refugee?
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Which event prompted the United States to enter World War I?
Which event prompted the United States to enter World War I?
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What is the main political stance of most Republicans regarding undocumented immigrants?
What is the main political stance of most Republicans regarding undocumented immigrants?
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Who serves as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in the United States?
Who serves as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in the United States?
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What significant immigration reform was enacted during Reagan's presidency?
What significant immigration reform was enacted during Reagan's presidency?
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What was a key result of the Spanish-American War in 1898?
What was a key result of the Spanish-American War in 1898?
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What term describes the influence of defense contractors and military leaders on government policies?
What term describes the influence of defense contractors and military leaders on government policies?
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What was the main purpose of the Monroe Doctrine established in 1823?
What was the main purpose of the Monroe Doctrine established in 1823?
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In which year did the Cold War officially begin?
In which year did the Cold War officially begin?
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How many military bases does the US have around the globe?
How many military bases does the US have around the globe?
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What major conflict took place from 2001 to 2021?
What major conflict took place from 2001 to 2021?
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What is the approximate annual military budget of the United States?
What is the approximate annual military budget of the United States?
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What has been a significant focus of US-China relations under recent administrations?
What has been a significant focus of US-China relations under recent administrations?
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Which countries were involved in proxy wars during the Cold War?
Which countries were involved in proxy wars during the Cold War?
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Study Notes
Legal Immigration
- Department of Homeland Security, Justice, and State oversee legal immigration.
- 13.2 million legal permanent residents, primarily from Latin America (mostly Mexico), followed by Asia and Europe.
- Department of State deals with visas (student, worker, family).
- USCIS handles citizenship processes.
- Legal residents receive green cards; 5 years of continuous residence, citizenship test, language test, and pledge of allegiance are needed for naturalization.
Asylum Seekers/Refugees
- Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990 sets annual refugee intake (60-100,000).
- Geneva Convention defines a refugee as someone unable/unwilling to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution (race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion).
Undocumented Immigration
- Approximately 12 million undocumented immigrants in the US.
- Play a significant role in the economy.
- Often work low-wage jobs without benefits, but also without labor protest.
- Democrats often advocate for amnesty and a path to citizenship.
- Republicans usually support stronger border controls, no amnesty, and no path to citizenship.
- Dream Act supported by Democrats, allowing undocumented children to have a path to citizenship (over 16, 5 years of residence, high school degree, no criminal record).
- Republicans' stance has evolved; the 1986 Reform and Control Act offered amnesty to 2.8 million immigrants.
- Trump administration favoured a wall, restrictive policies, and mass deportations.
US Foreign Policy
- George Washington warned against foreign entanglements.
- Territorial expansion: Louisiana Purchase (1803), War of 1812, Mexican-American War (1846-1848).
- Monroe Doctrine (1823): US hegemony over Latin America, preventing European intervention; promoting non-intervention.
- Alaska Purchase (1867), Spanish-American War (1898), Panama Canal (1903-1914).
- WWI entry (1917): Lusitania sinking, Zimmerman Note.
- League of Nations (1920).
- WWII entry (1941): Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
- UN membership (1945).
- Cold War (1945-1991): proxy wars, including Korea, Vietnam, and Cuba.
- First Gulf War (1990-1991).
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021), Second Gulf War (2003-2011).
- Current tensions with China, War in Ukraine.
- 11 Congressional war declarations, 280+ troop deployments.
- President as Commander-in-Chief, depending on Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor, and CIA, Congress approves/denies funding.
- Largest military budget globally (~$754 billion/year).
- Numerous military bases in more than 80 countries.
Soft Power
- International development aid and humanitarian assistance.
- World Bank and IMF roles.
- Peace Corps (240,000 volunteers to 76 countries).
- Cultural globalization (American products abroad).
Hard Power (Military-Industrial Complex)
- Eisenhower's warning about the military-industrial complex in his farewell address.
- Network of companies, lobbyists, government officials, and military leaders influencing defense spending and policy.
- Major defence contractors (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics).
US & EU Relations
- Trump's critical views of the EU ("foe", "worse than China").
- Biden's view of Europe as a cornerstone of global engagement.
- Trump's imposition of steel/aluminum tariffs.
- Potential future tariffs, retreat from Paris Agreement.
US & Russia Relations
- Trump's claim to quickly solve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Possible solutions – Korea-style settlement (Russia gains land, demilitarized zone).
- Ukraine's possible EU/NATO membership or neutrality.
US & China Relations
- Trump initiated trade war (tariffs).
- Biden also imposed tariffs.
- Nationalism as a driving factor for trade disputes.
- "America First" doctrine promises tariffs on imported goods in the future and is attempting to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US.
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Description
Explore the complexities of legal immigration processes, the status of asylum seekers and refugees, and the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in the US. This quiz covers key aspects like permanent residency, visa types, and relevant legislation impacting immigration policies.
