Immigrants' kids deserve a chance
BY TERESA PUENTE, Chicago Sun-Times, October 7, 2007
DREAM ACT | Urge Congress to pass bill giving them a way to gain legal status
Tania is an undocumented immigrant. Her parents brought her to Chicago when she was 10 years old, and she graduated from her high school with honors. Even though she didn't qualify for federal financial aid, she saved up, went to college and graduated with a 4.9 grade point average from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Today, the 23-year-old works for a youth program in Pilsen, where some of the students she teaches also are undocumented.
"They are so hungry for an education, and yet they feel like they can't go to college," said Tania, who has put off her own plans for graduate school because of her legal status.
She represents undocumented young people who have something to contribute to our society. They could become educators, doctors, lawyers and even join the military. Like Tania, they might even find a way to enroll in college. Even if they find a way to finish school, how can they work legally or forge careers once they graduate?
The Senate is considering passage of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, which would allow undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before age 16 and have lived here for at least five years, graduated from high school and have a clean record, to become legal permanent residents if they complete two years of college or military service. About 1 million youths eventually could benefit from this.
Last week, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) tried to attach the act to a defense authorization bill, but he couldn't get enough support. He has made changes to the bill to garner more support, especially from Republicans. The compromise bill doesn't offer in-state tuition to undocumented students, and the students must apply before they turn 30.
Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has pledged to bring the bill before the Senate by mid-November.
If anybody should benefit from immigration reform, it should be these young people, who have attended our public schools, speak English and are culturally American. Many of them often aren't aware or told of their immigration status until they become adults.
"They didn't cross the border independently. They were brought here," said Fred Tsao, policy director with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Has our society become so heartless that we would punish innocent children for the actions of their parents?
Opponents of illegal immigration see the legislation as some form of amnesty. They argue that undocumented immigrants are an economic and tax burden. These students won't have a chance to fully contribute to the economy and become part of America's brain trust unless they get a college education.
How could the illegal immigration opponents be against helping youths fulfill their dreams? Immigration reform should start with these young people.
Our politicians must have the courage to stand up for them. They are bombarded by faxes, e-mails and phone calls from anti-illegal immigrant forces. I'm sure I will be, too, after this column appears.
Those who support immigration reform that helps children and families need to organize and speak up just as loudly.
I still want to believe in the promise of the American Dream. My great-grandparents left Mexico more than 100 years ago in search of a better future for their family.
Doesn't Tania deserve the same chance for a better future?
Tania, who has received awards for her community service, has not applied for advanced jobs because she is afraid an employer will question her legal status. "What am I supposed to tell my boss? I'm undocumented."
However, Tania doesn't live in the shadows. She was even willing to allow me to publish her last name. I decided not to because a quick Internet search would lead the hatemongers or even immigration officials to her doorstep.
Tania said she had a message for those who oppose this legislation. "Undocumented youth are not different from your children," she said. "We all have our dreams."
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