AMY MANDEL: DREAM Act gives immigrant youth a chance to build a better future
by Amy Mandel
Columnists | 8/28/07
Posted online at 11:30 PM EST on 8/27/07
The loss of students like Juan and the other 65,000 illegal high school graduates from the Class of 2007 alone would drain America of precious minds. These students were raised in America and educated in American schools. They sang the national anthem and pledged allegiance to the American flag. Yet they can't receive in-state tuition for college. Many attend local community colleges and then, even with degrees in hand, must take minimum wage jobs because of their illegal status.
A law like the DREAM Act would keep American-raised children here, rather than sending them to a country that may barely live in their memories. Yet the bill has never come to a vote in Congress. Opponents see this bill as a form of amnesty, a way of rewarding people who subvert American laws. Yet, the people who would be affected by the DREAM Act aren't the enemy as so many are quick to suggest. Instead, they are our friends, neighbors and peers.
The story of Juan Gomez is a testament to the youth of today standing up and fighting for what is right. Political action is more than protesting wars and voting, it's lobbying for your values and beliefs. Call your Senators and Congressmen and ask them to support the DREAM Act. Help keep some of the potentially greatest minds of our generation here. If 10 students in Washington can garner a stay of deportation, imagine what thousands of students across the country could do. It is up to us as young, educated Americans to help our peers achieve and strive.
A law like the DREAM Act would keep American-raised children here, rather than sending them to a country that may barely live in their memories. Yet the bill has never come to a vote in Congress. Opponents see this bill as a form of amnesty, a way of rewarding people who subvert American laws. Yet, the people who would be affected by the DREAM Act aren't the enemy as so many are quick to suggest. Instead, they are our friends, neighbors and peers.
The story of Juan Gomez is a testament to the youth of today standing up and fighting for what is right. Political action is more than protesting wars and voting, it's lobbying for your values and beliefs. Call your Senators and Congressmen and ask them to support the DREAM Act. Help keep some of the potentially greatest minds of our generation here. If 10 students in Washington can garner a stay of deportation, imagine what thousands of students across the country could do. It is up to us as young, educated Americans to help our peers achieve and strive.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 21
boondocks
posted 8/28/07 @ 9:07 AM EST
Great article! These kids definetly deserve a chance. Keep up the great work Amy.
AK
posted 8/28/07 @ 11:32 AM EST
It is so great to see an article at a nearby university talking about such a wonderful piece of legislation! I go to Boston College and I am a very passionate supporter of the Dream Act. (Continued…)
L.A.D
posted 8/28/07 @ 1:20 PM EST
I was an A&B student and was told I had to get out of school(in not that many words).I wish I could had been able to go to school.Now I'm 26 with a G. (Continued…)
theking2206
posted 8/28/07 @ 2:22 PM EST
good article and yes we all deserve a chance...ive been here 17 years and in college and would really want a chance to become a citizen. i already feel as if i was born here. (Continued…)
Eric Richardson
posted 8/28/07 @ 3:04 PM EST
I am against Amnesty...BUT I would support these children, who did nothing but obey their parents. After all, why should they suffer because of their parents mistakes?
I hope the DREAM ACT PASSES because it would benefit the U. (Continued…)
Brittany Osterhout
posted 8/28/07 @ 3:27 PM EST
As an American citizen whose husband is in this exact same situation, I am a big supporter of this bill. Without this bill - we have no future. I urge others to support this bill as well. (Continued…)
J. Hill
posted 8/28/07 @ 10:41 PM EST
Great article! It feels good knowing there are truly altruistic people in this country. I am also a supporter of the Dream Act and feel this will be a major benefit to the U. (Continued…)
chrissy macen
posted 8/29/07 @ 2:31 AM EST
I am also a supporter of the dream act. I think that it is great to see that we are doing something to help out these kids who have been here almost all their life. (Continued…)
Marco Lopez
posted 8/29/07 @ 2:38 PM EST
I want to congratulate Amy Mandel, excellent article. It's hard to find intelligent people who write about this difficult and controversial theme.
sally thomps
posted 8/29/07 @ 7:37 PM EST
Great article. And yes, I too, am a supporter of dream act. A chance is what these people need. I would like to see this act pass. Its sad to see good things go to waste. (Continued…)
Post a Comment