Sarah Ostman
Member (since September 2010)I am a reporter and journalism grad student at Columbia College Chicago.
We constantly hear the argument that native workers are losing jobs to undocumented workers, but the argument is usually bagged on as a racist, anti-immigrant rant. While I don't necessarily agree with it, I was pleased that this article at least tackled the subject honestly, and used a subject (Latino, son of an immigrant) that bridged the gap between immigrants and non-immigrants.
This story covers an important topic -- human trafficking -- but does so in a pretty limited way. It would have benefited from additional sources -- perhaps an expert on the topic to shed light on the experiences of trafficked people. As is, we basically have a story written from one source (and probably a press release).
I thought this was a great story, well sourced, carefully researched. My only complaint: the reporter might have been more careful to hammer home the fact that it was not Dobbs, but companies contracted by Dobbs, that hired the undocumented workers.
Without comment from Abercrombie, this article is always going to be a little incomplete. Still, it could benefit from some more context from ICE -- how common are these fines? how large are they usually?
Thought this was a good recap of the debate. Most of the quotes were clearly taken from the debate or press conference, but experts did add some good context.
This is good journalism. It's well-written and, for a pretty short article, draws on a good variety of sources.
I think this reporter does a great job of explaining an issue that's broken, no matter which side of the immigration debate you're on.
I found this story to be factual and fair, but it had few sources and few details about the DREAM Act. I'm left with a lot of unanswered questions.
I found this story to be a little slanted in favor of immigration reform, but the reporter did cover all sides and presented what I thought to be a balanced and fair article.



