Return
to C&J Online News home page
College aid for illegals is not right
by FRANCES CHAVEZ, C&J 371
The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM)
failed to pass Congress by a 52-44 vote. The failure of the
DREAM Act was perhaps the best thing that could have happened.
The DREAM Act would allow illegal immigrant students who qualify
the opportunity to attend post-secondary school and/or join
the military. This would be done within a six-year period, and
they would be on the path to legalization and citizenship. To
qualify, the illegal immigrant students must have been in the
U.S. since the age of 16 or younger. They must have proof of
residence for 5 consecutive years. They must have received a
high school diploma or GED and have good moral conduct to qualify
for the Act.
This Act would concur with the 10 states that already allow
illegal immigrants to attend college at an in-state tuition
rate – New Mexico being one of those states.
As a Mexican-American, I must say that I have mixed feelings
about this Act. On the one hand, I understand that there are
many illegal immigrants with great capabilities, and passage
of the DREAM Act would ensure that they exceed their potential.
Not to mention that they would be in the path to legalization.
This is great. On the other hand, this Act would undermine American
citizens, naturalized citizens and legal residents.
I must be clear that I believe everyone regardless of their
legal status should be entitled to a general education –
that is K-12. Any immigrant whether legal or illegal has far
more potential for advancement with a general education then
without any education.
So why do I have mixed feelings? After all I am a Mexican –
a Mexican with legal status. I guess I am thinking of my selfish
self. But not really, I am also thinking of the many students
who come from other states to attend UNM and have to pay outrageous
out-of-state tuition rates while illegal immigrants get their
education for next to nothing. Some receive Pell Grants that
far exceed what I get. I work 36 hours a week and I am taking
12 credit hours – I am tired. And yet my student loans
will exceed illegal immigrants’ student loans.
Don’t get me wrong I am one of those individuals who march
and protests for illegal immigrants. However, I don’t
feel that everything should be handed down to them on a silver
platter. Why should it? Things were never handed down to me
on a silver platter.
So I must say that I am glad the DREAM Act failed to pass Congress.
Many may say that I am a hypocrite. Others may say I am acting
on pure self-interest. Well maybe I am.
I don’t mind paying taxes for individuals to get a general
education; for them to receive medical services if necessary,
but for a post-secondary education. Sorry but pay for the education
just like I am.
To end this, the DREAM Act failed to pass Congress. I feel for
these individuals and certainly they should be able to receive
certain things such as a general education. However, if we are
going to allow illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition
rates, Pell Grants, and in some instances even a free education,
then we must do it for other students from other states who
are American citizens, naturalized citizens or legal residents
the same benefits.
October 26, 2007
Go to Top |
