What does it mean to be an American? What makes an individual a citizen? Who should get to choose who is and isn't allowed to become an American and live here? In learning about Jose, is he any less an American than those who are born here? Why or why not?
Jose touches on race in the book. Why is race a charged issue for Americans? Why do many Americans feel the need to identify foremost by race? How do race, nationality, and immigration influence one another?
What did you discover about Jose Antonio Vargas from reading "Dear America"? Did anything you read surprise or shock you? What does his story say about the plight of the millions of other undocumented men, women, and children in the United States today?
Sample Solution