After a bear wanders into Springfield, Mayor Quimby raises taxes to establish a Bear Patrol, angering the townspeople. To distract them, he blames the high taxes on illegal immigrants and initiates Proposition 24, calling for the deportation of illegal immigrants from Springfield.

Apu worries that he, too, will be deported, since his visa expired after his graduation from an American college. To avoid scrutiny, he buys a new American indentity from Fat Tony, but realizes that he is betraying his Indian heritage.

Lisa tells Apu that he qualifies for amnesty and can therefore apply for American citizenship. Apu passes the citizenship test, but Proposition 24 still passes.