Whats The American Dream Without Dreamers?
Americas identity has become a nation where education and hard work are the pathway to prosperity and opportunities. Individuals all over the world immigrate for the “American Dream”, hoping for an upward mobility for their family, but the dream is belittled. Parents who bring their children at a young age to the United States have grown to have American roots, and aspire to give back to a nation they call home. The children are “Dreamers,” who have been rejected by society, and have been told their dreams are illegal. Thousands of undocumented students are not able to work towards their dreams and live their American dream, and are not able to attend college, join the military, or work. These students have little attachment to their native land and are illegal immigrants to a land they call home. Many grow up not knowing they are undocumented until they apply for a driver’s license or college, and realize they stand in the same positions as their parents do. Since they live on the margins by being immigrants, their high aspirations and plans are ambiguous. However, they seek for more, fight for immigration rights, march for their voices to be heard, and pressured president Obama to make action to protect them from deportation. A speech given by President Obama in the Rose Garden, addressed the new policy that would spare young people who are Americans by heart a fear of deportation.
These are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they’re friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents -- sometimes even as infants -- and often have no idea that they’re undocumented until they apply for a job or a driver’s license, or a college scholarship (Lee).
In 2012, Obama passed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an executive order that has allowed 750,000 undocumented immigrants to have a temporary work permit, social security, and the protection of not being deported. Having Donald Trump in office and promising to repeal all executive orders done by President Obama, dreamers have a fear of being deported, their investments and sacrifices being at lost, and having to restart everything. The year of 2017 was a contentious year for immigrants, many who believe immigrants are not contributing back to the nation and are only taking jobs away. Donald Trump as the president of the United States, has made a campaign on an open xenophobia promising to build a wall, deport all immigrants, and to make America great again. For example, in his announcement speech in June 25, 2016, he explained
When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. I love the Mexican people, but Mexico is not our friend. They're killing us at the border and they're killing us on jobs and trade (Tal).
However, in the America Great Again?by Eileen Traux, it explains how President Trump's priority on deporting all immigrants and creating a wall will cost “$100 billion and $300 billion to arrest and remove all undocumented immigrants residing in the country, a process that we estimate would take 20 years." The money that will be needed to separate many families can be used for a better cause, such has creating more programs that will benefit both the economy and the students, building community parks, and give more money to schools instead of cutting funds. Investing money in the community will be a fundamental factor that will help America move forward and allow the nation to be at a better stand in the economic world. Dreamers are raised Americans, and once they get older society tells them, “go back home”, it is like being adopted to a nation but the nation does not want you. Dreamers should be allowed to be fully adopted to the country, and have the chance to give back and not be a hidden figure. It will allow more jobs, allow dreamers to invest themselves fully, and help expand the economic growth.
DREAM ACT
Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Howard Berman (D-CA) introduced the DREAM Act as S. 952 and H.R. 1842, respectively. The latest version of the bill was introduced On December, 2010, when the DREAM Act was brought up and passed in the House by a vote of 216-198 (H.R. 5281). However, when it reached the Senate on December 18, 2010, it fell five votes short, receiving 55 yeas’ and 41 nays’.
Support for the DREAM Act has grown since it was first introduced, but having the Republicans control the Senate, the bill has not passed because the lack of support it has shown from the party. For example, republicans claim the DREAM ACT is an offering for a “mass amnesty” that will encourage more illegal immigration (Montopoli).
One criticism was from Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Jeff Sessions, urged his Senate colleagues to oppose the DREAM Act Amnesty bill. Five democrats did vote against the legislation: Kay Hagan of North Carolina, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and both Montana Democrats, Jon Tester and Max Baucus. Sessions states “the bill contains too many loopholes, allows too many illegal aliens to qualify, and doesn't hold illegal aliens to the educational and military standards that its supports say it does (Wong)”. Republicans hammered it as offering "mass amnesty" that will encourage more illegal immigration. However, the Dream Act would have passed if Democrats has shown unity on the measure. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, who is the chief sponsor of the bill, explained the “senate democrats came up five votes short of the 60 needed to advance the house-passed bill, which would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants brought to the country as children if they attend college or join the military for two years (Wong).” I contend that those who were opposed of Dream Act were too afraid to grasp of the changes the can happen. For example, providing conditional permanent residency to illegal immigrants who show good moral character, have an education, will improve our economy since jobs will be filled and more money will be spent. If the Dream Act was to be legalized it will also persuade more illegal immigrants to become educated and live a moral life, which will decrease the crime rate associated with illegal immigrants. It is said that Republicans are unwilling to take action on comprehensive immigration reform or any other immigration bill until America's borders are secure. Also, they argue that Dream Act would still fulfill the parents’ primary objective for bringing them here and will attract more illegal immigrants. Nevertheless, Dick Durbin, strongly denied that claim before it was called to vote. “He showed photos of successful young people who could gain citizenship under the bill, including the leader of the UCLA marching band, and argued that the bill was about providing opportunity to those who deserve it (Montopoli)”. He also called for Republicans to back the bill in what he said would be an "act of political courage" for members of the Grand Old Party (GOP). I contend that having Americas borders more secure will have a success of stopping immigrants from coming to the US. The Dream Act to be passed, it will allow for the dreamers be fully adopted to the country, and have the chance to give back and no longer be a hidden figure. In the article ‘The American Dream’ and ‘The Sandbox’, it illustrates how the Dream Act can benefit the country to flourish for more. For example, “DREAM Act would add $329 billion to the U.S. economy and create 1.4 million new jobs by 2030, demonstrating the potential of the proposed law to boost economic growth and improve our nation’s fiscal health” (Mell). Passing the law, it will provide infinite opportunities for students who are educated and will open doors for higher paying jobs. Therefore, dreamers will be fully invested and be allowed to be productive members of society. Allowing dreamers who are immigrant college students, who have known no other home than America, be given a chance of pathway to citizenship will expand economic growth.
Undocumented students have been brought to this country as children hoping to have a better life, something their native land cannot provide. As they become older, they are aware of their immigrant status, and stand in fear with their parents. Through the executive order, DACA has become an immediate relief to thousands of immigrants, where they are able to move forward with their dreams and alleviate the fear of being deported. They can do more than identifying themselves as Americans by hearts, such as having a legal documentation permission to work and be part society. These students have grown to have American values and hope to one day be fully adopted to the nation.
I am an American citizen who has love and only hopes for the best for the country. The country that has given me endless opportunities, and the chance to improve myself. I was raised by an immigrant parent who devoted all his life to his low paying job, to only see me succeed and have a better life. I am for to accepting all “Dreamers” to have a pathway to citizenship, to have society understand their purpose, and allow them to fully contribute back to their home. My brother is a DACA recipient, and I am a witness that dreamers can be good to our society. For example, my brother Christian, who was a student before DACA passed, spent his summer breaks working in two jobs, and all the money earned was saved to pay for tuition and books. With the support of my father he graduated with a B.A in Mathematics and Hispanic Literature, and is planning to go back for his credentials to become a high school teacher. He wants to give back to the community that has helped him excel in his academic life and make in difference in students. My brother is an an investment to the country, and someone who is passionate in working with students, and plans to pursuit a higher education. Dreamers have to work the double; not belitiling the work of us U.S citizens but were not in fear of our achievements being taken away. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to dream and strive to be the best version of themselves they can be without having any limitations.
One criticism was from Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Jeff Sessions, urged his Senate colleagues to oppose the DREAM Act Amnesty bill. Five democrats did vote against the legislation: Kay Hagan of North Carolina, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and both Montana Democrats, Jon Tester and Max Baucus. Sessions states “the bill contains too many loopholes, allows too many illegal aliens to qualify, and doesn't hold illegal aliens to the educational and military standards that its supports say it does (Wong)”. Republicans hammered it as offering "mass amnesty" that will encourage more illegal immigration. However, the Dream Act would have passed if Democrats has shown unity on the measure. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, who is the chief sponsor of the bill, explained the “senate democrats came up five votes short of the 60 needed to advance the house-passed bill, which would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants brought to the country as children if they attend college or join the military for two years (Wong).” I contend that those who were opposed of Dream Act were too afraid to grasp of the changes the can happen. For example, providing conditional permanent residency to illegal immigrants who show good moral character, have an education, will improve our economy since jobs will be filled and more money will be spent. If the Dream Act was to be legalized it will also persuade more illegal immigrants to become educated and live a moral life, which will decrease the crime rate associated with illegal immigrants. It is said that Republicans are unwilling to take action on comprehensive immigration reform or any other immigration bill until America's borders are secure. Also, they argue that Dream Act would still fulfill the parents’ primary objective for bringing them here and will attract more illegal immigrants. Nevertheless, Dick Durbin, strongly denied that claim before it was called to vote. “He showed photos of successful young people who could gain citizenship under the bill, including the leader of the UCLA marching band, and argued that the bill was about providing opportunity to those who deserve it (Montopoli)”. He also called for Republicans to back the bill in what he said would be an "act of political courage" for members of the Grand Old Party (GOP). I contend that having Americas borders more secure will have a success of stopping immigrants from coming to the US. The Dream Act to be passed, it will allow for the dreamers be fully adopted to the country, and have the chance to give back and no longer be a hidden figure. In the article ‘The American Dream’ and ‘The Sandbox’, it illustrates how the Dream Act can benefit the country to flourish for more. For example, “DREAM Act would add $329 billion to the U.S. economy and create 1.4 million new jobs by 2030, demonstrating the potential of the proposed law to boost economic growth and improve our nation’s fiscal health” (Mell). Passing the law, it will provide infinite opportunities for students who are educated and will open doors for higher paying jobs. Therefore, dreamers will be fully invested and be allowed to be productive members of society. Allowing dreamers who are immigrant college students, who have known no other home than America, be given a chance of pathway to citizenship will expand economic growth.
Why I Stand With DACA
I am an American citizen who has love and only hopes for the best for the country. The country that has given me endless opportunities, and the chance to improve myself. I was raised by an immigrant parent who devoted all his life to his low paying job, to only see me succeed and have a better life. I am for to accepting all “Dreamers” to have a pathway to citizenship, to have society understand their purpose, and allow them to fully contribute back to their home. My brother is a DACA recipient, and I am a witness that dreamers can be good to our society. For example, my brother Christian, who was a student before DACA passed, spent his summer breaks working in two jobs, and all the money earned was saved to pay for tuition and books. With the support of my father he graduated with a B.A in Mathematics and Hispanic Literature, and is planning to go back for his credentials to become a high school teacher. He wants to give back to the community that has helped him excel in his academic life and make in difference in students. My brother is an an investment to the country, and someone who is passionate in working with students, and plans to pursuit a higher education. Dreamers have to work the double; not belitiling the work of us U.S citizens but were not in fear of our achievements being taken away. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to dream and strive to be the best version of themselves they can be without having any limitations.
Bray, Ilona. "Who Qualifies For Deferred Action As An Immigrant Student Or Graduate (DACA)". www.nolo.com. N.p., 2012. 11 Apr. 2017.
Lee, MJ. "Obama: Halt some illegal immigrant deportations." POLITICO. The Washington Post. 11 March 2017.
Tal, Kopan. "What Donald Trump Has Said About Mexico". CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (2016). 3 May 2017.
<http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/31/politics/donald-trump-mexico-statements/>
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