The American Immigration Council asked fifth-grade students to write about why they were glad America is a nation of immigrants, and encouraged entrants to share their personal experiences, family histories, or their views on the challenges incoming immigrants face when they arrive in the U.S. Emma wrote two very moving poems titled “Crossing the Line” and “This One Boat”, both of which you can read here.
Students enter their work in local contests which are sponsored by chapters of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Each chapter forwards the local winning entry to the National Competition where entries are reviewed by a distinguished panel including U.S. senators, award-winning authors and noted journalists. Past judges include author Dave Eggers, Senator Edward Kennedy, New York Times journalist Anthony Lewis, and Mary Williams, Founder of The Lost Boys Foundation.
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