English with Jo

Immigration

This is the preparation material for an English conversation lesson about immigration. Learn some key vocabulary about immigration, for example, the difference between immigrate and emigrate. Listen to an audio discussion about this subject and learn how to answer the most common conversation questions about immigration.

Audio Discussion

Download audio discussion about immigration

Transcript of audio discussion

* Audio courtesy of elllo.org

Vocabulary

• Assimilate - To absorb into the cultural tradition of a larger population.
• Asylum - Legal permission to live in a country granted in special cases to people fleeing danger or persecution in the homelands.
• Deport - To force someone out of the country.
• Detainee - An alien in the custody of the government temporarily.
• Emigrate - To leave one’s country to live elsewhere.
• Naturalization - The process whereby an immigrant becomes a citizen.
• Refugee - A person who flees his or her native land to escape persecution or danger.
• Immigrate - To enter a country for the purpose of living there.

Conversation Questions about Immigration

• What are some of the reasons people immigrate to other countries?
• Is immigration from one country to another a problem? In what ways do you see it as a problem?
• Do you know any immigrants?
• Do you think that immigrants are treated well in in most countries?
• Do you think there is a relation between immigration and crime?
• Should any government limit the number of immigrants entering the country?
• Is local culture threatened by immigration?
• How far should immigrants retain their culture?
• Should immigrants have the same rights as native citizens?
• Is there a difference between political and economic immigration?
• Should immigrants have the right to vote?
• What can be done to prevent illegal immigration?
• Should the country of origin of illegal immigrants be held responsible?
• Do you know any people who have emigrated from your country?
• Would you ever think of emigrating?
• Why would you think of emigrating?
• What would be some of the issues that would concern you about emigrating?
• Are there a lot of immigrants in your community?
• Do immigrants in your community isolate themselves into a certain area?
• Should immigrants be required to learn the local language?
• How would you help an immigrant learn the local language?
• How does immigration affect the economic situation in your community?
• Should employers who employ illegal immigrants be penalized?
• Should illegal immigrants be deported?