Examine the characters of Alipio and Monica, then craft a brief scene set one year into their marriage that illustrates their relationship. Are both partners content with the arrangement, or is one more fulfilled than the other? Are there any underlying tensions between them? This is a creative task, but try to realistically portray the characters based on their personalities and motivations as depicted in the story.

Explore the process through which foreign nationals can become U.S. citizens by marrying a U.S. citizen. Do the arrangements made by the characters in “Immigration Blues” exploit this system? Why or why not?

Should newcomers to the United States from Asia or other parts of the world strive to integrate into American culture, or should they prioritize maintaining their cultural heritage? Provide your reasoning.

Investigate the conflict from 1898 to 1902 that led to American dominance in the Philippines. Why did the United States engage in this war? What objectives did they aim to achieve, and how were these objectives fulfilled? What have been the lasting effects of American colonization in the Philippines?