The First Illegal Immigrants
Summary
The cartoon “The First Illegal Immigrants” by Andy Singer, published in 2013, critically investigates the occupation of America, the forced displacement of native Americans and the exaggerated border controls of the US homeland security. Based on the scenery, three members of the first nations interrogate a family of settlers, arriving from England, asking: “No Greencards? No Visas?? I’m sorry… But we need to see some identification.”
The cartoon can serve as a starting point for a classroom discussion or a project week on Native American cultures, US border politics and migration. A variety of other cartoons by Andy Singer can be found via the link below.
Critical edition
Singer, Andy. "The First Illegal Immigrants." Street Art Collection, St. Lawrence University, 2013. Website