According to the University of Southern California, “a policy memo is a practical, professionally written document that can vary in length from one page to over one hundred pages (USC, 2021).” Additionally, “it provides analysis and/or recommendations directed to a predetermined audience regarding a specific situation, topic, or issue (USC, 2021).” For this policy memo, students will imagine themselves holding a position on President Biden’s National Security Council as a National Security Council staff member. By being a member of the National Security Council team, the President of the United States and the American people are counting on you to provide a policy memo that is accurate, timely, and actionable. That is, your policy memo will inform and help guide United States foreign policy in the future so, ensure to bring your intellectual capabilities and acute analysis to the West Wing of the White House.
Students will select a topic from the list below and write a policy memo directed to the President of the United States. In this policy memo, students will assess the problem (taking a historical approach in explaining the issue) and provide recommendations in resolving the issue (go through a detailed analysis in explaining the why should and how to) (MIT:OCW, 2018).
THE TOPIC IS: Migration / Immigration
RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE: