I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with the DREAM Act, but for those of you who aren't, here's a brief explanation of what it is.
The DREAM Act is a bill that was introduced to congress in 2009. It proposes the chance to give undocumented students permanent residency in the United States. The DREAM Act provides qualified students the path to United States Citizenship despite the legal status of their families. It also states that if the student had entered the United States five years before the declaration of the bill, and if they are at least 16 years of age, the qualify for it. In order to be eligible for a six-year permanent residency status, the student must complete four years of higher level education or two years of military service, and if at the end of these terms the student has demonstrated moral character (No problems with the law, in school, work, etc.) then he or she is able to apply for citizenship.
Unfortunately, the bill has been rejected two times. I honestly do not see what the problem with the DREAM Act is. What can be so wrong about providing permanent residency for students that have been here their WHOLE life? Why should they live their lives being held back from the plethora of opportunities that the United States provides for its residents? Do you think it is fair that undocumented students cannot recieve federal financial aid, cannot apply for a driver's license, cannot travel around the world? Why are they considered foreign and why are they unwelcomed if their home is the NEIGHBOR of the United States?
The debate of immigration is one that has been very controversial in the past few years. The legalization of TORTURE is being considered, but the DREAM Act, which can only bring positive outcomes is being denied. Why? Is this moral? What are your views on the issue?
Ivonne,
ReplyDeleteThis is an extremely interesting post! I have actually never heard of the DREAM Act, but I find it fascinating. I understand why you question about its twice rejection, but I think that some would find this act complicated with the immigration acts. You ask "Do you think it is fair that undocumented students cannot recieve federal financial aid, cannot apply for a driver's license, cannot travel around the world? Why are they considered foreign and why are they unwelcomed if their home is the NEIGHBOR of the United States?" Well To answer the first question, it isn't fair. Students that are undocumented should not receive any of the list if they are undocumented (which leads to my next point). They should either be able to receive all the things on the list, drivers license, financial aid, etc. and be documented as citizens for being here their whole life, or none of the things on the list. As for the second question, I do not think that justifying that these undocumented students should receive the benefits listed just because they are "neighbors." Think about taking that statement and universalizing it. What if I said that the people of France should receive all the benefits of Germany because they are simply "neighbors." The statement in a global sense does not seem logical.
There are actually quite a few students at Rhodes who are undocumented and thus unable to file FAFSA or do a study abroad. There are several groups in the Memphis area that work with undocumented youth who want to attend college or get a job.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I don't think the question of the DREAM act is a moral one, but rather a political one. Politicians can recognize a hot button issue and don't necessarily want to stand up for what is right when it will alienate some of the potential voters.
Immigration and the similar issues have been at the forefront of conservative political ideologies over the past view years, particularly Herman Cain's "electrified fence." I'm not so sure it's seen as a moral issue as much as it is seen as an easy target to gain support. Talking about torture during a political rally is less appealing than immigration.
Unfortunately, politicians cater to the shallow.
It feels right to welcome any non-U.S. resident who wants to become a citizen as everyone deserves to pursue a greater life. In many eyes America has become a place of refuge, and as we welcome these foreigners we are acting on good morale. This does not, however, always coincide with our laws and can be harmful to our economic system. While immigration may mean saving someone from a poor quality of life, there are situations in which people abuse this. In some cases immigrants have snuck their way into our country to take advantage of our capitalistic system and not having to pay the same amount of taxes as a resident does. They are living as though they are residents, but are not paying their dues. I understand that this is not always the case, but since illegal immigration is continually worsening, I can understand why the DREAM act is struggling to come through. While I do not believe the children of these illegal immigrants should have to pay for their parents' decisions, the DREAM act in some ways encourages illegal action.
ReplyDeleteIvonne,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Liz's comment. Either the students should be documented and get all the benefits or none of the benefits as undocumented persons. Also, Courtney makes an interesting point as well that the issue with the DREAM act may not be ethical but it may rather be political. Current politicians are unclear as to what they stance is on immirgration, and if some are clear on their immgration stance then they do not actually understand how to prevent illegal immigration as we can see through the example that Courtney used- Cain's electrified fence. It is not financially feasible and not realistic with regard to time. I think before Congress can approve the DREAM act, Congress needs to sort through what they mean by immgration and their views on it. Immigration is a hot topic right now and will continue to be but how to promote or prevent it is still unclear to Congress itself so it is difficult to approve the DREAM act right now.
There are always going to be controversial views on any form of legislation, especially when it comes to controversial topics such as immigration. The DREAM act is a highly debatable act which could aide or injure students of our country.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in time, undocumented students are forced to pay out of pocket for schooling. They have no way to fill out FAFSA documentation, and are ineligible for scholarships they often deserve. This act would enable the continued education of our undocumented part of society, and result in a higher status for these individuals.
However, this act also seems to reward a system of illegal immigration. It has been quoted as "amnesty for illegal aliens," and could result in an influx of undocumented civilians. It is not feasible in terms of finance and time, and would likely cause more problems than it fixes.
Ideally, legislation would be formed and passed which enabled the acquisition of legal status, leading to a balance of financial and educational concerns. However, such a hope is not logical in terms of time. Unfortunately, it is likely that the DREAM act as well as other forms of illegal immigrant aid will continue to be looked over due to the possible implications of its acceptance.