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struggles of undocumented students in higher education
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Each year, many undocumented students graduate from high school, but cannot attend college, join the military, work, or pursue their dream goal as they are children of illegal immigrants raised in this country and feel American, yet, will never have the same rights as a true American citizen. Unfortunately, many undocumented youth do not know of their illegal status till they apply for a driver’s license or college, yet lack the necessary means of legal documents, which stop most from attaining a college degree. Within the past decade, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) would establish a way for undocumented students to attain legal status and many institutions and individuals have pulled together from Washington to California and Maine to Florida to make the DREAM Act a reality. The DREAM Act was thought to be a boom within the economy and workforce, and would create an opportunity for undocumented youth to attain legal status which would require a demonstration of loyalty to the U.S, but, they would attain it through college or armed services if they had been part of the U.S. for at least five years and entered before they were sixteen. Each year, millions of undocumented youth graduate from primary or secondary school and the staggering number of undocumented youth and young adults would benefit for legal status, as the U.S. is the only place they have known as home. Undocumented youth’s lack of status prevents them from attending college or working legally and the DREAM Act would grant an opportunity to help the U.S. economy and society. Dream Act eligible immigrants throughout all of the states, but, some are more eligible than others. The top ten states with the largest number of pote... ... middle of paper ... ...gure out the problem of undocumented youth? Will there be other laws put into effect to let undocumented youth attain citizenship? Finally the research suggests that undocumented youth and illegal immigrants should be better appreciated by policymakers and citizens of the U.S. as the progress of these individuals could help shape America given the complexity they are dealt Undocumented Children 5 with. Concerns about undocumented students and illegal immigrants are always brought forth in a negative way. In educational and lawful circles, the question of creating a stable in environment when we have so many undocumented students and illegal immigrants is important to think about. This research stresses the significance of the problem of undocumented youth and illegal immigrants and proposes the strength of each individual is how the problem is handled.
Imagine a world with an educated youth. Now imagine a parallel world where children are fighting to keep a smile on their faces, because, in truth, it is the only thing they have. In reality, this is what is happening. Youth, who have the privilege to be American citizens, are granted a very fulfilling education with a promise of a career. Children of illegal and undocumented immigrants do not have such luck. Some undocumented children in America have very promising futures and even a degree under their belts, but they cannot apply for a job because they have no proof of citizenship. A controversial topic is the matter of the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education, for Alien Minors) which permits undocumented immigrants to obtain citizenship and later get a job. Is this topic really a law… or a lifestyle? Should we really be arguing on the matter of life or death?
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” That statement holds strong for immigrants in America. Equal access to opportunities allows immigrants to achieve the American dream. Their success correlates with America’s success because of the contributions immigrants provide to America. Unfortunately, the current immigration policy in America denies many immigrants the American dream. It is crucial to understand the historical context of immigration in America. Initially, most immigrants were from Europe and were not restricted by any immigration laws. Now, most immigrants come from Latin America but are restricted to severe immigration laws. The Latino/a community is one of the most severely affected groups because the current immigration system disproportionally affects Latino/as. Recognizing how the experience of Latino/a immigrants have been both similar and different in the past from other immigrant groups and dispelling common misconceptions about Latino/as today bring an awareness how Latino/as are affected.
Dream Act bill is one of the pathway where the Congress can provide to legal status. The article states: “The DREAM Act would provide a significant boost to our economy, adding $329 billion by 2030. Legal status provides DREAMers with a powerful incentive to get more education, as the provisions are tied to completing high school and some college or military service.” (Fitz) This article demonstrates that when the Congress had given a legal status to undocumented immigrants especially the youth will help them to finish their education. Because of their legal status they will have higher education, which also means they will be obtain a better
In America, there are many considerable companies created by immigrants during the height of immigration. During the early 1900s, the American Dream was in full swing and patriotism was found amongst most Americans. During this time, Americans had a sense of vivaciousness when talking about America and the economy. With the roaring 20s and significant economic growth in the 1910s, many non-natives flocked to America in search of a better life. However, as time went on and America’s economy started to adjust, the American Dream and patriotism of indigenous Americans also evolved. Bogged down with the aftermath of the Great Depression in the 1930s, second and third generation Americans fell out of love with America. Immigrants kept hope though,
For many Mexican immigrants, crossing the border into the land of freedom and the American dream is no easy task. Some immigrants come over illegally by means of hiding in cars to cross borders, using visitor visas to stay longer, marrying to become citizens, and having babies as ‘anchors’ to grant automatic citizenship. Other immigrants gain green cards and work visas and work their way into becoming US citizens legally and subsequently gaining citizenship through paperwork for their families back home. After escaping harsh living and working conditions in Mexico, immigrants come to America prepared to gain education, opportunity, and work. This American dream unfortunately does not come to pass for most.
The lives of millions of immigrants are affected everyday due to limited access to acquiring legal citizenship. Out of that group there are 2.1 million children and young adults under the age of 18 that are eligible for permanent citizenship at this time (The DREAM Act). In 2001 Dick Durbin and Orrin Hatch presented a Development Relief and Education of Alien Minors (DREAM) Act that provides a path to becoming a legal citizen. The DREAM Act has yet to be passed, but there is a temporary Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)(The DREAM Act). The DREAM Act will provide options and opportunities for people to continue their path of life in America. The DREAM Act should be passed as it will benefit our economy, positively affect and strengthen our military, along with increased access to education.
In the year 2050, the Hispanic population is predicted to occupy 29% compared to the expected Caucasian population of 47% (Passel & Cohn, 2008). Therefore, Latino and immigration social problems will only continue to grow. As the Hispanic population grows and the Caucasian population shrinks, the demand for ethical and fair immigration policies will be fundamental. A future shift in social welfare policy regarding immigration has the potential to affect areas including: economics, education, health care, and social services.
It is estimated that 65,000 undocumented students graduate from High School each year, and out of these students, only less than 10 percent attend a higher education (Ibarra & Sherman, 2012). Under the Supreme Court Decision known as Plyler v. Doe, undocumented young immigrants are entitled to receive free education from Kindergarten to secondary institutions (Yates, 2004). However, as young undocumented immigrants transition from high school to college, the challenges that come with being illegal begins. Prior to 2001, college institutions classified undocumented students as international students even if they have lived in California a majority of lives (Abrego, 2008). Undocumented students were required to pay out of state tuition of approximately
The "American dream" is different for every person. To some it means financial success, to others it means freedom of expression, while others dream to practice their religion without fear. The "American dream" is a complex concept providing immigrants with the hope of better life. The U.S. government provides the environment and resources for everyone to pursue their dreams. Each year millions of people around the world apply for the Diversity Visa lottery program provided by the U.S. government, however only a few thousand people are lucky enough to come here. America is the place where people are judged by their achievements instead of having references or connections. Even though the American economy is in recession and the achieving of the American Dream is harder, many immigrants still achieve religious, political, financial, and sports dreams here in the U.S.
The DREAM Act legislation should pass and become a law; in a way this will be beneficial for both parties involved, for the young immigrants and for the U.S. If this is not possible an alternative should be sought out. The DREAM Act could be embedded into a comprehensive immigration reform, or the government can look to give the dreamers and other immigrant’s temporary legal status. “The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act would offer the undocumented youth the chance at legal reside...
To some concerned citizens they think in-state tuition is free, but in reality it is a discount since undocumented students still have to pay tuition and tends to increase school revenue. The young immigrants are the key to the country’s ability to counteract the serious demographic challenges the country faces (Joaquin, 2014). Getting a higher education would raise the stature of the workforce to have a chance to sustain an economy. For every person who obtains a college degree and gets a professional jobs means one less person to drain social service budgets of the state, and assets in terms of payment of taxes and the attraction to the state high-wage employers seeking well-educated workers (Joaquin, 2014). Additionally, by having a higher education it allows undocumented students to figure out their interests and skills to a higher-paying jobs; they can then earn more money and began contributing more in payroll taxes. This helps revenue for support vital programs, for example, Social Security, and Medicare, even if undocumented immigrants are unable to benefit from these programs. Advocates argue that making tuition feasible would not only influence undocumented students to graduate high school, attend college, and pursue a high-paying career, which could potentially benefit U.S. citizens and the economy. For them to be able to get a college education it would encourage these students to enter the job market as tax-paying American citizens (Palmisano,
Currently, there are 11.7 million undocumented immigrants in the United States; 6 million of those immigrants are Mexican-born (Preston). Within that undocumented population are individuals who were brought to the States as children. These individuals have grown up in the American culture and consider themselves American, but struggle with being treated as second class citizens due to their undocumented status. On June fifteenth of 2012, the Obama Administration announced the executive order Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This order will allow immigrants who were brought illegally to the U.S. as children to apply for work permits and avoid deportation (Hennessey and Bennett). President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is not only beneficial to it applicants but also to the United States as a whole.
Undocumented and Stressed takes an inside look into the struggles undocumented students face while attempting to further their education. Besides the fear of failing classes or funding tuition, this group of students also faces the chance of being deported. In an attempt to finish their college careers, many students apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) government protection program. This program was put in place in 2012 in an attempt to protect qualified youth from being deported. From those who were granted DACA status, over 85% said it positively impacted their college careers. Aside from fear of deportation, many undocumented students often have added stressors due to the inconsistency in laws, rules, and regulations
Since the start of the twentieth century America has attracted people all over the world to relocate and start a new life. For many coming to America was a chance for a better life and new things. They all had something in common, they all had a dream, that dream was the "American Dream". In the present day the desire to achieve the dream hasn't changed. However, the idea of the American Dream, brings up a lot of questions. What is the American Dream? Who defines it? Can it be achieved? Lastly, should everyone have a chance to achieve it?
Ronald Regan describes America as, “…a place in the divine scheme that was set aside as a promised land” (“Loosing the American Dream”). Do Regan’s words have any truth to them? How can America be a promised land when immigrants are still fighting for the chance to pursue the American Dream and social acceptance? Immigrants have different motives for coming to America some may seek citizenship for political freedoms that they once did not have due to uprising civil wars in their native country. Others may come for social freedoms that they were not awarded in their home country due to sexual orientation. Others may come for economic freedoms that allows them to go from rags to riches. No matter the reason, immigrants risk everything for a chance to pursue the American dream. So why is it so hard for immigrants to earn a spot as a citizen of the United States of America? Why are immigrants still facing narrow-mindedness criticism for being foreign? It is time for Americans to change their prejudice views of immigrants.