The American Dream

We live in a country that, in my opinion, is run by apathetic idiots; a country that has killed the American Dream. Education plays a major role in this so-called “American Dream”. Why, then, is it forbidden to undocumented immigrants? Most immigrants flee to America in search of a better future, particularly for their children. Why shouldn't they grant the right to receive a higher education? We are all immigrants, if we take a closer look. This country was founded and is formed by immigrants.

It is sad to say that in Florida, one of the states with a high percentage of immigrants will not allow a child to study in an in-state college or university because they are undocumented. That is not to say that this only happens in Florida; it is also reflected all over the country. Even if an undocumented child is allowed to attend an in-state college or university, he or she would have to pay out-of-state fees, most of whom can’t afford it. How is it that a child who has spent most of his or her life living in this country loses the opportunity to receive a higher education; the privilege of becoming someone in society? Where has the American Dream gone?

The Dream Act, a hope for undocumented students, stands for The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act. This is a one-time solution intended to provide a path that leads to a permanent legal status for children brought to the United States by their parents or guardians. This includes individuals with a current legal immigration status, individuals whose parents attempted to immigrate legally but were then denied legality after several years in application, and those initially brought here illegally at a young age. This act has been presented to Congress since 2001. However, the bill is still not in effect. Now, these children have no future, no hope.

People opposed to the Dream Act believe that education is not a right given to a student. In August 14, 2006, Kansas Senator Kris W. Kobach referred to the DREAM Act as a nightmare. He said it repealed a 1996 federal law that prohibits any state from offering in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens unless the state also offers in-state tuition rates to all U.S. citizens. On top of that, the DREAM Act offers a separate amnesty to illegal-alien students.

A poll took place throughout 2007 and, sad to say, revealed that most Americans oppose the Dream Act. The Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that just 15% disagree and 17% are not sure. Seventy-six percent (76%) of Republicans, 76% of unaffiliated voters, and 55% of Democrats believe that passage of the Dream Act would encourage more illegal immigration in the future. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of all voters oppose the Dream Act concept. Republicans oppose it by a 5-to-1 margin and unaffiliated are opposed by a 3-to-1 margin. Democrats are a bit more evenly divided—49% opposed and 31% in favor.

It’s fascinating that our dropout rate is increasing every year, as well as the fact that we need professionals from other countries to work here. Millions of immigrants come to this country every year with eagerness to study and better themselves. So, how is it that we don’t let undocumented students study while we are bringing in professionals from all over the world to work in jobs that our children could do? Yet we are letting them drop out. It’s not fair for the undocumented that are willing to study and work not be granted this opportunity, seeing as there are already-citizen children