To many people the word immigration simply means "the passing or coming into a country for the purpose of permanent residence" (Definition). But to undocumented students, commonly referred as Dreamers, it signifies a meaning of fear, family separation, job loss, different language and loss of hope after graduation. These students go through elementary, middle and high schools doing what their parents tell them which is to "be the best, get straight A's, and work hard", however; at the end none of it matters because their legal status does not allow them to continue pursuing their education. How could it be that a child cannot pursue their educational goals if it can benefit society? These diverse students are capable to strengthen the military, improve the economy and become part of innovating America. The passage of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is the opportunity undocumented students and America need to make a change. We now live in a dangerous world, where we need more protection than ever. America's national security depends on the military service the next generations are willing to serve. The foundation of a strong military is the young Americans who want to continue expanding the tradition of American military strength. However, "over 72 percent of 17- to 24-year-olds do not meet the basic educational, physical and moral standards required for service" (Shelton and Dalton). That is the reason why Daniel Gonzalez states "the military would need only a fraction of the undocumented immigrants made available by the DREAM Act to help offset shortages of qualified recruits" ("A Military Route to Citizenship"). To continue keeping the American people secure, America needs any highly qua... ... middle of paper ... ...atrina, Trinko. "Create jobs by bringing in immigrants." USA Today n.d.: Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Nov.2011. Pezza, Elizabeth C. "Undocumented Students Living in the Shadows | UWIRE." UWIRE | Campus Media Network. 1 Apr. 2010. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. . Shelton, Hugh, and John H. Dalton. "Opinion: Strong Military Needs Early Education Focus - Gen. Hugh Shelton and John H. Dalton - POLITICO.com." Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com. 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. . "Transcript: Obama's State Of The Union Address : NPR." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. .
Ever since World War II, the last war that garnered full American support, the percentage of American citizens enrolling in the U.S. Army has diminished significantly. The U.S. is a major military power in the present world; American soldiers are engaged in many multi-theater positions, consequently dispersing troops over various regions worldwide. As only one in ten citizens has served in the US Army, American knowledge of military conditions is rapidly lessening along with the national harmony that complements such knowledge. Therefore, the comprehension that American security is closely associated with a formidable military never resonated within the greater part of modern American citizens. Although antiwar activists may decry compulsory conscription as unconstitutional, it needs to be reinstated in order to solidify the meaning of being an American citizen, boost the economy by providing jobs, and unify the American people with enhanced homeland security.
Not only was this issue was highlighted several times in our class discussions, it was also a main theme in the presentation by Leticia Saucedo. The movie affirmed my belief that there should be policy reforms in employment law that extends protection to vulnerable migrants in the workplace. Likewise, I found another issue with how the system creates vulnerability and uncertainty for innocent children who migrated with their parents. For example, one girl had great academic achievements in high school, but she could not apply to college because she did not have a social security number. Similarly, another person migrated with his parents from Mexico, proceeded to enroll in school, and even received a driver license without any issues. I think this represents an important problem with current policies, in which the children of undocumented migrants often do not know their legal status until it is too late. Therefore, I believe the government should take steps in the early process of education and grant some form of status to children who migrated unknowingly with their
There are over twelve million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Many came to America to work, go to school, or be reunited with family members who are already residing here. Most migrants want to work and pursue the “American dream”. There are many barriers for residents to achieving success at the work and life balance. The immigrants fall back on public assistance to support them.
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.
...nal Public Radio: News and Analysis, World, US, Music and Arts. 31 March 2010. Web. 31 January 2011.
Less than one percent of all Americans are enlisted in the military. An even smaller percentage of high school students are enlisted. Students are thought to be incompetent, and not mature enough to decide on enlisting in the military. However, students should be allowed to join the military. The military offers many benefits students can use to help their future. The protection of our country is not overlooked for recruits; they are awarded many personal benefits as well. Tuition assistance, job training, and many benefits that help prepare recruits for occupations while enlisted. Not only are students getting great benefits, but they are also in a small group of professional workers.
...onvinced that my original question is an important one, therefore I am continuing with this formulation: “This invisible group in United States: the struggles and unsolved problems of undocumented immigrants” is going to be my argument of supporting “Undocumented students”. They deserve the rights to extend their education in order to achieve their American dreams. Their choices shouldn’t be limited by their statues, if they could achieve their academics successfully. United States cannot deprive undocumented immigrants of their academic rights for long term because this is a lost-lost situation. If U.S gives the undocumented immigrants their opportunities, there will be more educated people in the country, and they will give the country back with their skills. As a result, the entire country can move forward as a whole to becoming a better and stronger country.
Willoughby, David. "Chapter 11." The World of Music. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012. 249-53. Print.
“What makes someone American isn’t just blood or birth but allegiance to our founding principles and faith in the idea that anyone from anywhere can write the next chapter of our story.” - President Barack Obama. The United States is the melting pot of the world. The great country of American was built on immigration. Look around, so many people have ancestor that risked everything to come to the United States to make something of their lives, and the lives of their children. If it weren’t for immigration, we may not be where we are today. Immigration reform is the term used in political discussion regarding changes to current immigration policy of a country (Immigration Reform, para. 2). In 2013 the Senate passed the immigration reform bill that would give a path to citizenship to the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. If the government passed Immigration Reform there would be many benefits to our economy, and to the individuals looking for a better future. For example, immigration increases the efficiency of the U.S. economy, it enables entrepreneurs to come to America, it brings increased national security, and immigration reform can reduce the deficit (Furchtgott-Roth, 4
However, others may disagree, but in addition to lacking nce their arguments are also insignificant. Although there is a controversy on this matter, America should welcome immigrants that are already here. Immigrants may earn legal status as well as cost just as much or less than deportation. But, so what? Why is this notable? Well, here’s why, the future is on the line and we have to take charge. If leading undocumented immigrants to a path to citizenship, includes all of the previously mentioned advantages, there is no point to do otherwise. If we don’t go through with this, imagine the troublesome possibilities, imagine the costs, imagine the risks. It is necessary to lead undocumented immigrants to a path to citizenship, and your help is needed. Share this essay, spread the outlook, get involved, and do what you can to make sure, we are where we need to be in our
Having the opportunity of staying in school is very important to illegal immigrants because that means they can realize the American Dream. It is something that every immigrant that comes to the U.S wants to achieve. By applying to the dream act illegal immigrants from the age of sixteen through thirty five can go to school. They are eligible to stay in school and or go to college if they have not done so. For example some of the immigrant students have immense talents that can be used for America’s assistance, but not being able to stay in school they can not succeed. “Thousands of young people have worked hard. But they are being denied that chance to build a better future for themselves and to contribute their skills, talents, and creativity to the country” (Duncan). By having the choice of staying in school, as well as the help it is more exciting to those students that want to become someone in life. Some of the illegal aliens possess some amazing talent...
The term “undocumented students” is given to the children of foreign nationals who entered the United States legally with their families, but remained without an authorization. In some cases they have crossed the border illegally as children with their parents at a very young age, some as young as infants. These children have lived more years in the U.S. than their birth countries, and have attended K-12, and earning high school diplomas.
After about twelve years of the DREAM Act floating around in congress, many people on both sides of the issue are unsure of what will happen. For some, the fact that it has been around for long without much progress means that the DREAM Act will not pass. On the other side of this issue, the dreamers, continue fighting to keep the DREAM Act alive, so that all the immigrant students can continue to post secondary education, and not have to stop their education at the end of 12th grade. These young immigrants were brought here when they were younger and have lived in the United States most of their life. They are known as dreamers because many of them cannot continue their education due to the barriers placed on them because of their undocumented status. Those who wish to continue to a post secondary education have to pay higher out-of-state tuition rates. The passing of the DREAM Act will provide a path to legalization for educated and dedicated individuals who will continue to contribute a lot to the U.S. economy and in many other ways. The majority of undocumented students were brought to the U.S. when they were small children, and they “should be allowed to have the chance to stay in the country call home” (Bennion).
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.
...ion or are already doing well to provide for their families, they should still be placed into the military. The American government should drill into the head of every adult that they know what’s best for them, because they do. This will ensure the prosperity and competitiveness of this country for many years to come!